According to reports, the Indian government notified the Delhi High Court that the inadvertent launch of a BrahMos combat missile into Pakistan last year cost the state exchequer Rs 24 crore. It also defended the decision to discharge three Indian Air Force (IAF) officers for gross negligence on Monday. Wing Commander Abhinav Sharma was removed from the Indian Air Force as a result of the blunder, according to an affidavit submitted by the government. Sharma was one of three officers discharged from the IAF.
Accidental Firing of BrahMos into Pakistan Cost India Rs 24 Crore
According to the centre, the firing affected the country’s relations with its neighbour. In March of this year, the Union government told the Delhi High Court that a misfired BrahMos combat missile may have resulted in a warlike situation between the two countries. According to the report, “considering the sensitive nature of the subject matter having widespread ramifications for the security of the State, a conscious and considered decision was taken in good faith to terminate the petitioner’s service under the President’s pleasure clause.”
“Such a decision has been taken in the Indian Air Force after 23 years as the facts and circumstances of the case warranted such action,” the statement continued. According to the article, the Centre stated in the document that the trial of three officers by a court martial was “inexpedient.” It went on to say that “the international community was interested in knowing the important practical details regarding missile firing.”
According to the report, the Union government stated: “Considering the sensitive nature of the subject matter, which has widespread implications for the security of the State, a conscious and considered decision was made in good faith to terminate the petitioner’s service under the President’s pleasure clause.” After 23 years, the Indian Air Force made such a conclusion because the facts and circumstances of the case warranted it.” Wing Commander Sharma, the petitioner, disputed his dismissal under Section 18 of the Air Force Act of 1950. When the incident occurred, he was assigned as an engineering officer.
‘Decision of Termination was Just‘
The Centre contended that the termination decision was objective and just. It went on to say that it was absolutely necessary due to the peculiar nature of the subject matter. It added that, in addition to endangering any airborne/ground object/personnel and harming the IAF and the nation’s reputation, the fire cost the government money. “It is indeed ironic that the petitioner has attempted to shift his blame to other officers knowing full well that his failures contributed significantly to the launch of the missile,” the response stated.
The unintended firing took place on March 9, 2022, and Pakistan lodged a protest with India the following day. The missile was discharged unintentionally, according to the defence ministry. The ministry declared at the time that it was caused by a technical malfunction during routine missile maintenance, and that the event was taken seriously by the government.
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