India takes strong action over BrahMos missile misfire into Pakistan: 3 IAF officers terminated

Services of three officers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) were terminated on Tuesday (23) in connection with the Brahmos missile-misfire incident of March 9.

The officers included a group captain and two wing commanders. Their termination came with immediate effect.

A court of inquiry was set up to establish the facts of the incident, including fixing responsibility for the same. The court found that deviation from the Standard Operating Procedures by the three personnel resulted in the accidental misfiring of the missile. They were primarily held responsible.

To make matters worse, the BrahMos missile landed inside Pakistan at a place called Mian Channu. Islamabad registered an objection though New Delhi had launched a probe into the matter much earlier.

“A missile was unfortunately accidentally launched on March 9. The incident occurred during a routine inspection. We later came to know that it had landed in Pakistan. I would like to inform the House that the government has taken serious note of the incident. A formal high-level inquiry has been ordered. The inquiry would determine the exact cause of the said accident,” Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh had told the Indian parliament, adding, “Thankfully, no damage was reported due to the accidental launch of the missile,” he added.