IAF Wing Commander Shared War Plans, Drone Capabilities With Pakistani Operative, Chargesheet Says

A serving Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF), arrested five months ago under the Official Secrets Act, allegedly leaked highly classified military information, including war-plan documents, drone capabilities, deployment details of combat aircraft and coordinates of sensitive installations, to a suspected Pakistani intelligence operative, according to a police chargesheet filed in a Delhi court.

The police said the disclosure of such sensitive information potentially compromised critical military assets, exposed operational vulnerabilities and posed a serious threat to national security.

According to the chargesheet, the officer also shared details about the strength and organisational structure of a secret drone unit, its operational capabilities, locations identified for deployment during hostilities and movements of frontline fighter aircraft.

The investigation further revealed that the Wing Commander allegedly remained in contact with the suspected Pakistani operative through WhatsApp between January 12 and April 1 this year, when he was intercepted and questioned after being found carrying a smartphone inside his office.

Alleged Exchange of Classified Documents for Explicit Images

One of the most serious allegations in the chargesheet concerns the alleged exchange of classified military documents for sexually explicit photographs.

According to police, the officer uploaded a page from a classified war plan after receiving an explicit photograph from the suspected Pakistani operative. The chargesheet alleges that he indicated he would provide another page of the war plan for each additional photograph he received.

Investigators also alleged that the officer disclosed information about drone trials, the capabilities and endurance of weapons systems, and their targeting mechanisms.

The chargesheet further states that the suspected operative sent malicious applications to the officer, potentially enabling access to sensitive information stored on his electronic devices and communications with his chain of command.

Police alleged that the Wing Commander also attempted to facilitate the installation of spyware on devices belonging to five subordinates serving in the unit under his command.

Fighter Aircraft Deployment and Military Exercises Also Under Scrutiny

The investigation identified additional disclosures concerning military deployments and exercises.

According to the chargesheet, the officer allegedly shared information about fighter aircraft deployments in Leh and a military exercise conducted at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan’s Suratgarh.

The police have cited digital evidence to establish the extent of communication between the officer and the suspected operative.

An analysis of WhatsApp data reportedly revealed an exchange of 3,008 text messages, 65 images, 65 reactions, 42 voice calls, four video calls and six URLs.

Investigators are examining these communications as part of the evidence supporting the espionage allegations.

Investigation Highlights Potential Security Breaches

The allegations have raised concerns about the vulnerability of sensitive military information and the potential risks posed by attempts to compromise personnel with access to classified operational material.

Police have argued that the alleged disclosures went beyond the sharing of individual documents, potentially exposing broader aspects of military organisation, operational planning and technological capabilities.

The alleged attempt to compromise the electronic devices of other personnel has also become an important part of the investigation, given the possibility of wider access to sensitive military communications.

The case is being investigated under the Official Secrets Act, which criminalises unauthorised communication and disclosure of protected government information.

The allegations detailed in the chargesheet will be subject to judicial examination, and the accused officer will be entitled to defend himself in court.