IAF discloses reasons behind accidental BrahMos missile firing into Pakistan

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Indian Air Force (IAF) has for the first time disclosed reasons behind the accidental firing of a BrahMos combat missile which landed in Pakistan in March 2022.

In a reply filed before the Delhi High Court, the IAF has said that combat connectors of the Brahmos missile «remained connected to the junction box» which led to the accidental firing of the missile.

Sharing relevant findings of the Court of Inquiry held in March 2022 to probe the incident, the IAF has further submitted that the convoy commander of a road convoy, which was to move to location as part of inspection «failed to ensure safe transit of convoy by not ensuring disconnection of combat connectors of all missiles loaded» on the mobile autonomous launcher prior to the movement.

The IAF has described the incident as one which had the «effect of affecting the relations» of India with Pakistan. It has told the HC that a «conscious and considered decision» was taken to invoke the "President's pleasure" clause to terminate the services of three officials. In a reply, Wing Commander UN Pathak, Deputy Judge Advocate General, informed the court that «such a decision has been taken in the IAF after 23 years as facts and circumstances of the case warranted such action». The reply, reviewed by ET, states: «The fact that the international community was interested to know the important practical details» regarding the firing of BrahMos missile, the authorities decided that trial of the three officers «by a court martial was inexpedient». «Likewise, it was also