IAF Reveals Cause of 2022 BrahMos Missile Misfire

In a significant disclosure, the Indian Air Force (IAF) revealed to the Delhi High Court the reason behind the accidental firing of a BrahMos supersonic missile in March 2022, which landed in Pakistan. According to The Economic Times, the incident occurred due to the combat connectors of the missile remaining connected to the junction box, leading to the misfire.

This revelation marks the first time the IAF has provided insight into the incident, which occurred on March 9, 2022. The IAF’s reply to the high court stated that despite knowing the combat connectors were connected to the junction box, the combat crew failed to intervene, resulting in the unsafe launch of the missile into the neighboring nation. This action posed a potential threat to airborne, ground objects, and personnel.

The IAF highlighted that the incident resulted in a loss of ₹25 crore to the government exchequer and damaged the force’s reputation, affecting relations between India and Pakistan. A Court of Inquiry (CoI) conducted by the IAF found Group Captain Saurabh Gupta, Squadron Leader Pranjal Singh, and Wing Commander Abhinav Sharma responsible for various acts leading to the missile’s firing.

The IAF’s response came in light of a petition filed by Wing Commander Sharma, who blamed Air Commodore JT Kurien for the incident. The IAF dismissed Sharma’s allegations, labeling them as conjectures without substantiating evidence. Additionally, the IAF refuted Sharma’s claim of being unable to avert the missile’s firing.