A minor scare unfolded during a scheduled defence training exercise in the Pokhran region of Jaisalmer district after a section of a missile fell near Bhadariya village on Saturday. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage were reported, defence officials confirmed.
According to initial information, the missile component veered off its intended flight path during a routine test conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, one of India’s key defence testing facilities. The fragment landed a few hundred metres from the nearest habitation, prompting a swift response from security teams.
Local police, along with personnel from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, immediately reached the area, secured the site, and collected the debris for technical inspection. Officials said the incident occurred within the designated firing zone and did not pose any significant risk to civilians.
A defence spokesperson noted that such exercises are part of regular weapon system validation drills and that standard safety protocols were in place. “The situation is fully under control. No casualties or damage were reported, and the area has been cleared,” the official added.
Residents of nearby villages reported hearing a loud explosion that briefly caused panic, but calm was quickly restored after authorities assured locals there was no threat.
The defence ministry has ordered an internal review to determine whether the deviation was due to a technical malfunction or environmental factors. The findings are expected to help enhance safety procedures for future live-fire exercises.
The Pokhran Field Firing Range has long served as a major testing ground for India’s armed forces and has been the site of several important missile and weapon trials. Incidents of this nature, though rare, underline the need for continuous monitoring and safety audits during defence exercises near civilian areas.
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