IAF fighter jet accidentally discharges ‘air store’ near Pokhran; inquiry underway

PTC News Desk: On Wednesday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) reported that one of its fighter jets inadvertently released an “air store” near the Pokhran firing range due to a technical malfunction. The IAF confirmed the incident via a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), reassuring the public that no damage to life or property has been reported.

The mishap occurred during a routine operation when the air store, which typically refers to munitions, bombs, or other military equipment carried by aircraft, was unintentionally deployed. The specific type of air store involved in the incident has not been disclosed by the IAF.

An enquiry has been launched to determine the cause of the technical malfunction that led to the accidental release. The IAF stated in its post on X: “An inadvertent release of an air store from an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircraft took place near the Pokhran firing range area today, due to a technical malfunction. An enquiry by the IAF has been ordered to investigate the incident. No damage to life or property has been reported.”

The Pokhran firing range, situated in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, serves as a crucial site for testing and training exercises for the Indian armed forces.

This incident brings to mind a similar but more serious event from March 2022, when a BrahMos missile was accidentally launched from India into Pakistan. The unarmed missile landed in Mian Channu, Khanewal District, Punjab, causing damage to some buildings and creating a crater in a field. The event led to initial concerns and confusion among local residents.

The accidental missile launch, which could have potentially triggered a diplomatic or military crisis, was swiftly acknowledged by Indian authorities as an accident caused by a “technical malfunction” during routine maintenance. The incident resulted in a loss of ?25 crore to the government, and led to the dismissal of three IAF officers, including a Wing Commander, for gross negligence, as reported to the Delhi High Court.

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