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Statement by Raksha Mantri in Rajya Sabha on 15 March 2022
Hon’ble Chairman,
I would like to brief this august House about an incident that took place on 9th March, 2022. This incident relates to the inadvertent release of a missile during the inspection.
2. During routine maintenance and inspection, a missile was accidentally released at around 7 p.m. It was later learnt that the missile had landed inside the territory of Pakistan. While this incident is regretted, we are relieved that nobody was hurt due to the accident.
3. I would like to inform the august House that Government has taken serious note of the incident. A formal high level inquiry has been ordered. The inquiry would determine the exact cause of the said accident.
4. I would also like to state that a review of the Standard Operating Procedures for operations, maintenance and inspections is being conducted in the wake of this incident. We attach highest priority to safety and security of our weapon systems. If any shortcoming is found, the same would be immediately rectified.
5. I can assure the House that the missile system is very reliable and safe. Moreover, our safety procedures and protocols are of the highest order and are reviewed from time to time. Our Armed Forces are well-trained and disciplined and are well experienced in handling such systems.
Jai Hind
