The accidental firing of a BrahMos supersonic missile into Pakistan two years ago has resurfaced in the public domain, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) providing an explanation to the Delhi High Court regarding the incident. According to a report by The Economic Times, the IAF attributed the accidental firing to combat connectors of the BrahMos missile that “remained connected to the junction box,” leading to the unintended launch in Pakistan.
The IAF, in its submission to the High Court, highlighted the gravity of the incident, emphasizing that it caused a loss of ₹25 crore to the government exchequer and had adverse effects on the relations between India and Pakistan. The accidental firing not only posed a potential threat to airborne and ground objects but also tarnished the reputation of the Indian Air Force and the nation at large.
The IAF’s Court of Inquiry conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, examining 16 witnesses and identifying three members of the Combat Team – Group Captain Saurabh Gupta, Squadron Leader Pranjal Singh, and Wing Commander Abhinav Sharma – as responsible for the mishap. The inquiry found that their actions led to the accidental firing, resulting in significant financial losses and diplomatic repercussions.
Wing Commander Abhinav Sharma, one of the individuals implicated in the incident, filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, seeking to attribute blame to Air Commodore JT Kurien and Squadron Leader for allegedly neglecting safety precautions. However, the IAF refuted these claims, asserting that all activities related to the missile took place in the presence of Wing Commander Sharma himself. The IAF emphasized that Sharma was a witness to the actions taken by his superior officers, debunking the notion of negligence on their part.
The accidental firing of the BrahMos missile on March 9, 2022, sent shockwaves across the region, underscoring the importance of stringent safety protocols and maintenance procedures in handling sophisticated weaponry. The incident, attributed to human error during routine maintenance, served as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of lapses in protocol and oversight in military operations.
BrahMos, known as the “Brahmastra” of its time, symbolizes India’s technological prowess and military capabilities. However, the inadvertent launch of the missile into Pakistani territory highlighted the risks associated with such advanced weaponry and the imperative of ensuring strict adherence to safety standards.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Indian military conducted a thorough review of its operational procedures and maintenance protocols to prevent similar mishaps in the future. The incident served as a learning experience for the defense establishment, prompting a renewed focus on training, oversight, and accountability in handling sophisticated weapon systems.
As India continues to bolster its defense capabilities and modernize its armed forces, incidents like the accidental firing of the BrahMos missile underscore the need for constant vigilance and adherence to the highest standards of safety and professionalism. The IAF’s response to the Delhi High Court reflects its commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing such incidents and upholding the integrity of the nation’s defense establishment.
