The accidental launch of a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile by the Air Force in March 2022, which fell into Pakistan, caused damage to the Indian state treasury in the amount of 250 million Indian rupees (about $3 million). This is stated in the country’s Air Force response to the court request.
⠀
In addition to material damage, “the reputation of the Indian Air Force was damaged,” the document states. The accidental launch was described as an “incident that had an impact on relations” with Pakistan. The Air Force confirmed that the launch was an accident due to a “battle group.”
⠀
“The combat team, despite knowing that the missile connectors were connected to the junction box, failed to intervene and prevent the commander of the mobile autonomous launcher from committing the unsafe act of launching a live missile, which resulted in a launch into a neighboring country, thereby creating a potential threat to any airborne or ground facility and personnel,” the Air Force noted.
⠀
The accidental launch of a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from Indian territory, which fell in Pakistan, occurred on March 9, 2022. As Islamabad reported, the missile was without a warhead. It crossed the border from Suratgarh and fell near the Pakistani city of Mian Channu, causing damage to civilian property. There were no casualties. Three officers from the Indian Air Force were dismissed for their involvement in the incident.
