The Indian Air Force (IAF) reported Wednesday that one of its fighter aircraft inadvertently released an “air store” near the Pokhran firing range due to a technical malfunction.
The IAF confirmed the incident via social media platform X, stating that no damage to life or property has been reported.
The incident occurred during a routine operation when the air store – generally means munitions, bombs, or other military equipment carried by aircraft – was unintentionally deployed. The specific type of air store involved in the malfunction has not been disclosed.
An investigation has been ordered to determine the cause of the technical issue.
The Pokhran firing range, situated in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, is a crucial site for testing and training exercises by the Indian armed forces.
This incident recalls a similar event from March 2022, when a BrahMos missile was accidentally fired from India into Pakistan. The missile, which was unarmed, landed in Mian Channu in Punjab, Pakistan, causing damage to buildings and a crater in a field.
Indian authorities quickly acknowledged the incident as an accident caused by a “technical malfunction” during routine maintenance, which led to a loss of ?25 crore and resulted in the dismissal of three IAF officers, including a Wing Commander, for gross negligence.
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Probe ordered after an IAF plane deploys ‘air store’ near Pokhran firing range
