The Indian Air Force (IAF) has given an explanation to the Delhi High Court regarding the accidental firing of a BrahMos supersonic missile that landed in Pakistan two years ago.

According to reports, the IAF informed the High Court that the BrahMos missile's combat connectors were still attached to the junction box, which resulted in the accidental firing in Pakistan. This incident incurred a loss of Rs.  25 crore to the government exchequer, as stated by the Air Force. Additionally, the IAF mentioned that the incident had an adverse effect on the relations between India and Pakistan.

The IAF's Court of Inquiry looked into the matter and found Group Captain Saurabh Gupta, Squadron Leader Pranjal Singh, and Wing Commander Abhinav Sharma – all members of the Combat Team – responsible for the mishap. The inquiry stated that this incident posed a potential threat to any airborne/ground object/personnel and also damaged the reputation of the Indian Air Force and the nation at large, causing a loss of RS24,90,85,000.00 to the government exchequer.

This response was filed in reply to a petition by Wing Commander Abhinav Sharma in the Delhi HC, who held the Air Commodore and Squadron Leader accountable for "neglecting" safety measures.

However, the IAF denied blame on Air Commodore JT Kurien, asserting that all activities occurred in the presence of Wing Commander Sharma. According to the IAF, "All activities had taken place inside the Mobile Autonomous Launcher in his (Sharma) presence, and he was a witness to the actions being taken by his Ops officer."

On March 9, 2022, India mistakenly fired a BrahMos missile into Pakistan due to human error during routine maintenance, attributed by the IAF to a technical malfunction.

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