Another Incident Of Misfired Missiles: Repeated Failures Of Indian Army – OpEd
In yet another blunder the Indian Army misfired three surface-to-air missiles in Pokharan ranges in the western Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, causing alarm in the surrounding areas, according to Indian media. The missiles struck fields in different villages, causing loud explosions, however, there were no reports of any loss of life or property damage. India Today quoted defence spokesperson Lt Col Amitabh Sharma as saying an investigation had been initiated and further action will be taken accordingly.
According to the report, the debris from two of the misfired missiles has been recovered, but the third missile has not yet been located. Police and Army teams are currently conducting a search for the missing missile. It added that the Indian Army was conducting a firing exercise when three missiles with a range of 10 to 25 kilometers deviated from their path due to a technical fault. The misfired missile caused significant damage to the field, creating a large crater in its impact zone.
The misfire was attributed to a technical glitch that occurred during the exercise. Indian ammunition with the course of time has proved itself to be a house of misfits. Last year a BrahMos missile was misfired by Indian Army into Pakistan that caused international embarrassment for India. Three officers were sacked for the misfiring incident that was handled responsibly by Pakistan.
In another incident a nuclear submarine INS Arihant got destroyed when its hatch was left open. There were reports of recurrent cases of Uranium / radioactive material thefts in India posing a question on nuclear safety in India. All such incidents indicate a flawed command and control system in India and incapable human resource. Being a nuclear power Indian should behave responsibly but so far it remained unable to cut the mustard. Repeated incidents of errant missiles, nuclear theft, nuclear submarine disasters, and many more are alarming and raise serious concerns about India’s loose command and control. International export control regimes and nuclear safety organizations must respond strictly to such misadventures and inabilities of Indian Armed Forces as they can lead to an irreversible disaster.
India has been investing heavily on its force modernization creating a power imbalance in the region. However, due to inexperienced human resource, corruption, and mismanagement this modernization has so far resulted merely into repeated events of international embarrassments. But such ill-intentions and a belligerent approach of India can worsen the already fraught relations with nuclear neighbor, Pakistan. Moreover, such steps will also drag the region towards an unending arms race. There is a dire need that India put its house in order and avoid such misadventures for regional peace and security.
Humais Sheikh, has completed his Master’s from Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad in Defense and Strategic studies. He is an independent defense analyst and Ex. Vice president of Defense and Strategic Studies student’s society.
