Reasons behind the accidental BrahMos missile firing.

The IAF has for the first time disclosed reasons behind the accidental firing of a BrahMos combat missile which landed in Pakistan in Mar 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.

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.

The Court of Inquiry held that the combat crew "knowing that the combat connectors of combat missiles are connected to junction box, failed to intervene to prevent the Mobile Autonomous Launcher commander from committing an unsafe act of launching Combat Missile...resulting in a launch of missile into the neighbouring nation, thereby causing potential threat to any airborne/ground object/personnel and also causing damage to the reputation of the IAF and the nation at large and a loss of Rs.24,90,85,000.00 to the government exchequer".

My take

Care must be taken to avoid repeating the mistake.

Tailpiece.

Got up at my usual time, the chores, lit the lamp in the puja room, opened up the house, the chores and was ready by a half past 9.

Lekha's cough and fever are taking an apogee.

Showed her to Dr Hareendrababu, at his clinic at Kunnicode. He has put her on antibiotics.