India accidentally fired nuclear-capable supersonic missile into Pakistan, Defence Ministry blames 'technical glitch'

A high-speed projectile launched from India entered the Pakistani airspace travelling 124 km and fell near Mian Channu in Khanewal district damaging some civilian property though no casualties occurred, Major General Babar Iftikhar, Director-General of the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan, claimed on Thursday. There were no human casualties. While there were no sensitive installations in the area where it landed, a wall did fall, the Pakistan military said.

According to a 2005 agreement between India and Pakistan on pre-notification of flight testing of ballistic missiles, each country has to notify the other at least three days in advance of the flight test it wants to undertake whether surface-to-surface, land or sea launched missiles. It further states that launch sites should not fall within 40 km from either the International Boundary or the Line of Control and the planned impact area should not fall within 75 km.

Pakistani Air Force, Major General Iftikhar said has “initiated requisite tactical actions in accordance” with the Standard Operating Procedures.

The description of the projectile by Pakistan matches that of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which has been in service in India for years and is known for its high accuracy.

The missile, which now has a range of over 400 KMs compared to the earlier ones, is one of the most dependable long range cruise missile in India’s arsenal.

Pakistan also called on India to share outcome of the investigation into the incident.

There was no immediate response from Ministry of External Affairs to a Reuters' query on the matter.

A Pakistan air force official at the news conference said the object was being analysed forensically and initial studies suggested it was a surface-to-surface supersonic missile, but was unarmed.

He said it travelled at an altitude of 40,000 feet, at Mach 3, and flew 124 kilometres (77 miles) in Pakistani airspace before crashing.

"On 9 March 2022, in the course of routine maintenance, a technical malfunction led to the accidental firing of a missile. The Government of India has taken a serious view and ordered a high-level Court of Enquiry," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

"It is learnt that the missile landed in an area of Pakistan. While the incident is deeply regrettable, it is also a matter of relief that there has been no loss of life due to the accident," it added.