A routine military exercise at the Indian Air Force’s Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan went awry on Saturday when a Pechora surface-to-air missile deviated from its intended trajectory, resulting in debris landing near Bhadriya village, approximately 80 kilometers from Jaisalmer. Witnesses reported a loud explosion and the creation of a sizeable crater, causing panic among local residents, although fortunately, no injuries or property damage were reported. The incident prompted a swift response from the Indian Army and local police, who cordoned off the area and secured the remnants for analysis. Initial assessments suggest a technical malfunction may have caused the missile to veer off course, and the IAF has initiated an internal investigation to determine the root cause. While the event raised concerns among villagers due to its proximity to inhabited areas, experts noted that such exercises are vital for national security and emphasized the importance of balancing operational rigor with risk management. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and potential hazards associated with military drills, highlighting the need for transparency to maintain trust within local communities that have coexisted with defense operations for decades.