Tejas and JF-17: A Comparative Look at Safety Histories

A recent Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) crash has brought renewed attention to the safety records of the Tejas and its primary regional competitor, the Pakistan Air Force's JF-17 Thunder.

The March 12th, 2024 Tejas LCA accident, occurring during the return flight from the "Bharat Shakti" military exercise, marks the first such incident in the aircraft's 23-year operational history.

Contrasting Accident Histories​

The JF-17 Thunder, in comparison, has experienced a higher rate of accidents. According to the Flight Safety Foundation's Aviation Safety Network, the JF-17 has suffered at least four crashes since 2011, including one with confirmed fatalities. These incidents occurred in:

• November 2011 (Attock District, Pakistan)
• September 2016 (Arabian Sea)
• September 2020 (Attock District, Pakistan)
• August 2021 (Near Attock District, Pakistan)

Ongoing Investigations and Context​

The IAF is undoubtedly conducting a comprehensive investigation into the recent Tejas crash. Their goal is to identify the root cause and implement any necessary safety measures.

It's crucial to remember that even with the best design and maintenance practices, accidents can still happen in the complex world of military aviation.

Conclusion​

The recent Tejas crash shouldn't detract from its overall positive safety record, particularly when compared to the JF-17. However, any accident involving military aircraft rightfully prompts investigation and scrutiny.

Only through continued analysis, improvement, and focus on safety can both India and Pakistan ensure the reliability of their respective fighter fleets.

 

[CoolJuttji]

We are bad but they are worse!

 

[Kira]

This does not make logical sense as the PAF has been flying far greater number of the JF-17 for far longer than the IAF has been doing for the Tejas.
Besides,the Western engines are considered to be a tad safer than the Russian powerplant(MiG-29 one) at the heart of JF-17,so it's natural that the Indian Jet would have a better safety record.
So there is no point in unnecessary chest thumping here.

 

[sanket]

Only after thorough Investigation cause will b known .till then all safety measures should b Taken .

 

[Parthasarathi DasGupta]

I personally feel that the Pilot was nervous due to some failure. Engine was on. Aircraft was not stalled , even maneuverable. And still there was a chance. May be he was nervous. Anyway, waiting for the report.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

This does not make logical sense as the PAF has been flying far greater number of the JF-17 for far longer than the IAF has been doing for the Tejas.
Besides,the Western engines are considered to be a tad safer than the Russian powerplant(MiG-29 one) at the heart of JF-17,so it's natural that the Indian Jet would have a better safety record.
So there is no point in unnecessary chest thumping here.

If we Indians dont chest thump over the tejas then who in the world would?

 

[Pink Panther]

If we Indians dont chest thump over the tejas then who in the world would?

Even if we Indians do, IAF won’t, we don’t have to talk about HAL, they are doing it every second in their entire history of making and delivering products that are not relevant to times and the trend.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Even if we Indians do, IAF won’t, we don’t have to talk about HAL, they are doing it every second in their entire history of making and delivering products that are not relevant to times and the trend.

IAF has already changed its tune. When was the last time you heard a senior IAF officer criticise HAL. Many air chiefs have praised tejas and prachand. HAL has improved.

 

[Kira]

If we Indians dont chest thump over the tejas then who in the world would?

Don't need to, that is the point.

 

[Pad UwU]

Laughing at our enemies failure might come and bite us soon😹😹😹
Be humble but always prepared

 

[SURESH RAO]

IAF is HAL's customer. HAL should involve IAF in every day of development.

TEJAS FIGHTER JET has many many many components supplied by PRIVATE COMPANIES. Are some of these components using Chinese hardware.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Don't need to, that is the point.

every country's people chest thunp over their weapons. Look at how much the americans, russians and chinese chest thump.... This is part of information warfare.

 

[Ambuj Aggarwal]

Things that fly will have to come to ground. Either by safe landing or crash. Things do happen. World goes on.

 

[Santosh Kumar pal]

HAL chose wrong jet engine GE F404 for Tejas fighter jets.
GE 404 is a old generation low power jet engine which is good for trainer jet like south Korean KAl trainer jet.
Otherhand,NEW GE 414 jet engine is more powerful which is used in F16 and Sweden Gripen fighter jet.
India should choose GE 414 jet engine for Tejas fighter jet over GE404 jet engine.
This recent incident of Tejas fighter jet crash will make dent the reputation of Tejas fighter jet and lts opportunity for export to other countries.

 

[Santosh Kumar pal]

Pakistan airforce JF 17 fighter jets have involved in various combat operations.
Otherhand lndia's Tejas fighter jet has no combat history.
It is a great difference between Tejas fighter jet and F16 fighter jet.

 

[BCharlie]

Pakistan airforce JF 17 fighter jets have involved in various combat operations.
Otherhand lndia's Tejas fighter jet has no combat history.
It is a great difference between Tejas fighter jet and F16 fighter jet.

Sirji, which one are we comparing here with Tejas, JF-17 or F-16 ..

 

[Akshat]

I personally feel that the Pilot was nervous due to some failure. Engine was on. Aircraft was not stalled , even maneuverable. And still there was a chance. May be he was nervous. Anyway, waiting for the report.

It was clear that the plane was not maneuverable. IAF pilots are some of the best trained. The plane was oscillating left and right in the video.

 

[Akshat]

If we Indians dont chest thump over the tejas then who in the world would?

If we Indians won’t accept the reality and thrash HAL then who would?

 

[Atul Pant]

I personally feel that the Pilot was nervous due to some failure. Engine was on. Aircraft was not stalled , even maneuverable. And still there was a chance. May be he was nervous. Anyway, waiting for the report.

Did the seat fire inadvertently?

 

[Pink Panther]

IAF has already changed its tune. When was the last time you heard a senior IAF officer criticise HAL. Many air chiefs have praised tejas and prachand. HAL has improved.

IAF has faced the reality, seems like they have come to the conclusion that if they wanted their beloved Rafale, they have to wait for ever without any jet that might even ruin their reputation, three Chiefs have changed already since the Rafale saga.

 

[Anil Kumar]

Pakistan airforce JF 17 fighter jets have involved in various combat operations.
Otherhand lndia's Tejas fighter jet has no combat history.
It is a great difference between Tejas fighter jet and F16 fighter jet.

Sir which combat operations have JF 17 involved

 

[Ram]

But how did Tejas history become 23 years of operation

 

[amerjit johal]

Did the seat fire inadvertently?

No. MB Mk 16 has no history of malfunction.[as far as I know]
watching the video - I think the pilot panicked and ejected far too soon.
Tejas was almost on a controlled decent.

 

[amerjit johal]

It was clear that the plane was not maneuverable. IAF pilots are some of the best trained. The plane was oscillating left and right in the video.

I must need to get my eyes tested. It looked like a very smooth decent.
IMHO pilot panicked and ejected far to soon.
If so - he needs to dis-missed.
Time will tell.