3 missiles go off target, fall in Rajasthan fields

JAISALMER: Three surface-to-air missiles allegedly went off target during trials in Rajasthan’s Pokhran on Friday and fell in deserted fields across at least two villages with explosions, with army officials stressing there was no harm to any life or property in the “misfire”.
An army probe has been ordered into the technical snag that caused the missiles to veer off the firing range instead of hitting the dummy target in the air in Jaisalmer district’s Nachana area.


Villagers rushed to the spot on hearing the explosions and found deep pits. Parts of two of the missiles were recovered, but the remnants of the third are still untraced. Police and army teams, some of whom are part of the investigations, are scouring the terrain to find the device.

Defence spokesperson Col. Amitabh Sharma said: “A case of missile misfire was reported of a unit undertaking its annual field firing at Pokaran field firing range today. Msls (missiles) detonated safely in flight. However, the debris fell in adjoining fields.

No damage rendered to any personnel and property. Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the same (the cause).” One of the missiles fell in Ajasar village and the other in Satyay, said officials.