CO, two others responsible for Brahmos missile misfire into Pakistan sacked by IAF

The Air Force has taken exemplary disciplinary action into the accidental firing of a Brahmos missile into Pakistan during training drills in March, with three officers, including the commanding officer of the missile unit, being terminated from service.

As reported by ET, the high-level inquiry into the incident had pointed out lapses by a Group Captain who was commanding the missile unit near Ambala that led to the misfiring of an unarmed Brahmos deep into Pakistan. The incident had raised strong protests from Pakistan and the Indian defence minister made a statement in Parliament, promising a detailed inquiry and fixing of accountability.

"These 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 Aug 23," the Air Force spokesperson said.


In its official statement, the Air Force said that the court of inquiry "found that deviation from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) by three officers led to the accidental firing of the missile". As reported, the accidental firing occurred when the unit was undergoing a safety and operational efficiency inspection at its home base in Haryana. The inquiry was entrusted to an Air Vice Marshal posted at the Air Force headquarters.

Sources added that action was taken under the most stringent provisions available, with withdrawal of the President's pleasure. The inquiry report and disciplinary action was completed in a record five months after it became clear that human error had led to the accidental firing. Besides the Group Captain, a Wing Commander and a Squadron Leader have also been dismissed from service.

It is also learnt that a Senior Non Commissioned Officer (SNCO) played a significant role in averting a bigger disaster by quick actions once the Brahmos had been accidentally fired. Firing and training protocols for missile units under the Air Force have been revised since the accident took place, with additional safety measures put into place.