Three surface-to-air missiles were misfired during a military exercise at the Pokhran field shooting range in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer on Friday due to a technical glitch.

The three missiles went out of range and hit the fields in different villages, causing loud explosions. However, no loss of life or property was reported.

Defence spokesperson Lt Col Amitabh Sharma said the missiles were misfired during a military exercise. An investigation has been initiated and further action will be taken accordingly.

Nachana Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Kailash Vishnoi said one missile was discovered in a field near Ajasar hamlet, outside the firing range. The second missile's wreckage was discovered in a deserted area near Satyaya village.

Authorities are yet to find the debris of the third one.

"No damage rendered to any personnel and property. The issue is being investigated," said Indian Army officials.

Notably, a similar incident of a missile misfire occurred in 2022, in which a Brahmos missile accidentally took off and landed in Pakistan on March 9, 2022. The government held three Indian Airforce officers (IAF) responsible and suspended their services. The incident occurred due to non-adherence to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

The Defence Ministry later issued a statement that an inquiry has been ordered into the incident adding that it is a matter of relief there was no loss of life and property.

The then-foreign minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi issued a statement in the parliament and said the missile misfiring could have led to a full-fledged war between the two nuclear nations.

Image courtesy: India Today