IAF probe in accidental missile firing into Pak suggests involvement of Group Captain

The initial probe by the Indian Air Force into the accidental missile firing into Pakistan has hinted towards the involvement of a Group Captain-rank officer.

The initial probe of the Indian Air Force (IAF) into the accidental firing of a BrahMos missile that landed in Pakistan pointed towards the involvement of a Group Captain-rank officer.

The probe is being conducted by an Air Vice Marshal-rank officer who is posted at the Air Headquarters and is most qualified to conduct the probe, top government sources told India Today.

Read: Glitch led to accidental firing of missile that landed in Pakistan, probe on: Government

The BrahMos missile got accidentally fired from an airbase and landed inside Pakistan at a place called Mian Channu. The Pakistan government had registered its objection over the incident but much before that, an investigation had been launched by India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on March 15 said a high-level probe was ordered into the incident that involved the accidental launch of a missile into Pakistani territory on March 9.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Rajnath Singh said: “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,” he said. “Thankfully, no damage was reported due to the accidental launch of the missile,” he added.

“Our operations, maintenance, and inspections are conducted following a set of standard operating procedures, which are being evaluated. Any laxity found in the safety and security of our weapons systems will be dealt with immediately. Our missile system is extremely trustworthy and secure. Our armed forces are experienced in handling such systems,” he said.