According to the most recent data, the unintentional launch of a BrahMos combat missile into Pakistan in March of last year damaged relations between the two countries and cost the state exchequer Rs 24 crore, the Union government informed the Delhi high court in support of the dismissal of three Indian Air Force officers, including a Wing Commander, for gross negligence.Union government said, “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 service of the petitioner under the Presidents pleasure clause. Such a decision has been taken in the Indian Air Force after 23 years as facts and circumstances of the case warranted such action.”According to Wing Commander Sharma who has filed the petition and challenged the order for his termination under section 18 of the Air Force Act, 1950. Notably, he was serving as an engineering officer when the incident occurred. While justifying his duties, the officer said that he has performed his duties as per the Combat SOP governing the operations.The Centre claimed that the unusual nature of the subject matter decided to terminate the petitioners employment fair, objective, and necessary. In addition to posing a threat to any aerial, ground, or people targets and harming the IAFs and the countrys reputation overall, it claimed that the accidentally fired round cost the government exchequer money.The Centre stated that it would not disclose the evidence that has been submitted in response since doing so would compromise the states security. It did, however, add that the court would be shown the Court of Inquirys procedures to properly prove the petitioners mistakes.Noteworthy, India unintentionally launched a BrahMos missile into Pakistan on March 9 of last year. This unusual incident was brought about by human error. India has defined the incident, a technical failure during scheduled maintenance which happened on March 11, two days after the unintentional launch.
