Army missile misfires during firing practice in Pokhran, investigation launched

A case of missile misfiring was reported during a field firing practice by an Army unit at Pokharan ranges in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, news agency ANI reported on Friday. The missile detonated in flight but the debris fell into the adjoining fields, army officials said.

The officials added that there was no damage to personnel or property in the incident and that an investigation has been launched into the matter.

"No damage rendered to any personnel and property. The issue is being investigated," said Indian Army officials.

The incident came more than a year after a BrahMos missile was accidentally fired into the Pakistani territory. The Union Government took action in the matter and three officers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) were sacked after a court of inquiry.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed the Parliament about the incident and said standard operating procedures for “operations, maintenance, and inspection” of such systems were being reviewed.

“Three officers have primarily been held responsible for the incident. Their services have been terminated by the central government with immediate effect. Termination orders have been served upon the officers on 23 August 22,” an air force spokesperson had then said.

The rank of the three officers was not revealed but the reports around the incident claim the involvement of a Group Captain and other middle-level officers.

“A court of inquiry set up to establish the facts of the case, including fixing responsibility for the incident, found that deviation from the standard operating procedures by three officers led to the accidental firing of the missile,” the IAF said.

“The government and IAF have taken appropriate action. It was a serious incident that demanded tough action,” said Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd), director general of the Centre for Air Power Studies.