India has accidentally fired a missile that landed in Pakistan, stirring tensions with its neighbor.
The incident occurred on March 9, during routine maintenance. According to a statement from the Indian Ministry of Defence on March 11, 2022, a technical malfunction led to the accidental firing of a missile.
“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,” the statement read.
A spokesperson for the Pakistani military had said in a press conference late on March 10, 2022 that a “high-speed flying object” fell in Mian Channu.
Local media cited Air Vice Marshall Tariq Zia as saying the projectile was flying at a height of 40,000 feet and traveled 124 kilometers inside Pakistani territory in under four minutes.
Military spokesperson Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar said the missile could have endangered passenger aircraft and resulted in a major aviation disaster.
“Whatever caused this incident to happen, it is for the Indians to explain,” Iftikhar told the press conference. “It, nevertheless, shows their disregard for aviation safety and reflects very poorly on their technological prowess and procedural efficiency.”