The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully shot down a Chinese spy balloon-like target flying at a height of more than 15 kilometers. The training exercise occurred a few months ago in the Eastern Air Command’s area of responsibility.
The operation involved a Rafale fighter jet engaging the high-altitude balloon in a controlled exercise. The target, while smaller than the spy balloon shot down by the US Air Force in early 2023, was released with a payload attached and then shot down using an inventory missile at an altitude of more than 55,000 feet, sources said.
After ascending to a height of over 15 kilometers, the balloon was neutralised, demonstrating the Air Force’s ability to deal with airborne threats.
The exercise occurred against the backdrop of growing concerns about Chinese surveillance activities involving similar high-altitude balloons. In early 2023, the US Air Force famously downed a Chinese spy balloon that had been drifting across North America for several days before being shot down by an F-22 fighter jet off the coast of South Carolina.
Subsequent sightings of similar balloons were reported soon after the incident, raising concerns about China’s surveillance capabilities.
Similar balloon sightings have also been reported over India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Although no immediate action was taken, the balloon drifted away after three to four days of observation.
Experts believe that these balloons are equipped with a steering mechanism that allows them to hover over areas of interest for extended periods.
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