On Thursday, Pakistan’s military briefed the media on an Indian “high-speed flying object” that fell in Mian Channu, Khanewal district, on March 9.
Pakistan reportedly conducted a forensic analysis of the debris and claimed it was a supersonic surface–to–surface missile, but it was unarmed.
According to Pakistani officials, the alleged object originated from Sirsa and seemed to be heading towards the Mahajan field firing range. However, it started in the direction of Pakistan after 70-80 km.
The Air Force monitored its flight path after it was picked up at 6:43 pm up inside the Indian territory, ultimately falling near Mian Channu at 6:50 pm.
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Although neither India nor Pakistan named the Indian cruise missile “Brahmos,” they apparently referred to the same missile system as the “Super Sank Cruise Missile.”
Political leaders have condemned the incident and appreciated the PAF’s prompt response; meanwhile, defence analysts have slammed India.
Defence analysts slam India’s “accidental” firing
Defence Analyst Dr. Mohammad Ali Syed said Pakistani experts consider India’s BrahMos missile a conventional and nuclear-capable weapon. He said the Indian defence ministry did not issue a clarification until Pakistan summoned India’s envoy to protest.
Although the Indian Ministry of Defense statement said a high-level investigation had been ordered, it raises more questions that need to be answered.
In a statement on Saturday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry voiced its skepticism. It also rejected India’s explanation, demanding a joint investigation to “accurately establish the facts surrounding the incident.”
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It questioned Delhi’s command and control system. Secondly, are missiles always ready to be fired in India, even during routine exercises and maintenance? Furthermore, what caused a sudden change in the missile course, which is technically impossible?
Syed said the incident forces countries buying BrahMos from India to reevaluate whether they should invest in this unreliable technology. He said India should clarify whether its armed forces handle its missiles or some rogue elements.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Amjad Shuaib (r) questioned Pakistan’s response because what if the missile carried a nuclear warhead? He said, considering the possibility, the object should have been shot in the air to prevent any loss. He said asking India for an explanation does not make sense as Delhi cannot be trusted. He said if India perhaps wanted to check Pakistan’s response to the violation, they now know it’s only tracking.
Indo-Pak agreement over missile testing
India and Pakistan have had a pre-notification of flight testing of ballistic missiles agreement since 2005. As per the pact, each country has to notify the other at least three days before any planned flight tests. It further states that launch sites should not fall within 40km from the international boundary or LAC.
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The agreement also specifies the planned impact area should not fall within 75 km of the LAC or international boundary.