A serving IAF Wing Commander faces serious espionage allegations over the alleged disclosure of classified military information to a suspected Pakistani intelligence operative. (Img: X)
New Delhi: A serving Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF) allegedly passed on classified military information, including secret war-plan documents, drone capabilities, fighter aircraft deployment details and sensitive military installation coordinates, to a suspected Pakistani intelligence operative, according to a chargesheet filed by Delhi Police before a Delhi court.
The chargesheet, details of which were reported by The Indian Express on November 13, 2026, alleges that the disclosures exposed critical military assets and operational vulnerabilities, potentially jeopardising national security. The officer, who was arrested on May 30, 2026, has been booked under the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
The investigation has also uncovered allegations that the officer was instructed to install malicious software on the electronic devices of five personnel serving under him, raising concerns about a possible attempt to penetrate military communication systems and access confidential information.
According to the chargesheet, the officer allegedly shared information concerning the strength, organisational structure and operational capabilities of a classified drone unit of the IAF. The information reportedly included details of drone trials, the endurance of weapon systems, their targeting mechanisms and locations earmarked for deployment during hostilities.
Investigators have further alleged that the officer disclosed the movement and deployment of frontline combat aircraft, including details concerning fighter aircraft stationed in Leh. Information relating to a military exercise conducted at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Suratgarh, Rajasthan, was also allegedly transmitted to the suspected Pakistani operative.
The chargesheet states that the officer shared coordinates of sensitive military installations and other operational details which, according to the investigating agency, could have compromised strategically important defence assets.
One of the more startling allegations in the chargesheet concerns the alleged exchange of classified military documents for explicit photographs. Police have alleged that the officer uploaded a page from a document described as a 'secret war plan' after receiving an explicit photograph from the suspected Pakistani operative.
According to the chargesheet, the officer allegedly indicated that he would provide additional pages of the classified document in exchange for similar photographs. The alleged exchange forms part of the material relied upon by investigators to establish how the officer was manipulated into divulging sensitive defence information.
The investigation has also brought to light allegations that the suspected Pakistani operative supplied malicious applications capable of accessing confidential information stored on the officer's electronic devices and communications with his superior officers.
Police have alleged that the officer acted on the operative's instructions and installed specific malware or spyware on the information and communication technology (ICT) devices of five personnel serving under him in the unit.
The alleged instructions were purportedly aimed at gaining access to data and communications through the devices of other military personnel. The development has added another dimension to the investigation, with the alleged attempt to compromise the devices of subordinates raising concerns about the possibility of a wider intelligence-gathering operation targeting sensitive military establishments.
The chargesheet reportedly contains details of extensive digital communication between the officer and the suspected Pakistani operative. According to the police, the two remained in contact over WhatsApp between January 12 and April 1, 2026. Their communication came under scrutiny after the officer was stopped and questioned for carrying a smartphone into his workplace.
Analysis of WhatsApp data reportedly revealed the exchange of 3,008 text messages, 65 images, 65 reactions, 42 voice calls, four video calls and six URLs. The volume of communication and the nature of the material allegedly exchanged form part of the digital evidence examined during the investigation.
The case originated from a complaint lodged by the Indian Air Force authorities after its intelligence wing detected suspicious activities involving the serving officer. Delhi Police arrested the Wing Commander on May 30, 2026, on allegations that he had been honey-trapped by a suspected Pakistani intelligence operative. The police subsequently filed a chargesheet before the competent court on July 30, 2026, following the investigation.
In an earlier statement, the IAF had said that the officer was under active surveillance before being handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. The officer was booked under the provisions of the Official Secrets Act and subsequently remanded to judicial custody. He was reported to be lodged in Tihar Jail.
The case has been registered under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, which provides the legal framework for dealing with espionage, unauthorised communication of protected information and activities prejudicial to national security.
Section 3 of the Act deals with espionage, including the unauthorised collection, communication or attempted communication of information prejudicial to the safety or interests of the State. The allegations against the Wing Commander are yet to be established through judicial proceedings. The matter remains sub judice.
