IAF Destroys Chinese Spy Balloon-Type Target At 55,000 Feet In Bold Eastern Front Demo

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully proven the capability to neutralise a spy balloon-type target at an altitude exceeding 55,000 feet.

The demonstration, held along the eastern front with China, was conducted to test the IAF’s ability to bring down targets like the spy balloons released by China.

The operation, conducted a few months ago, involved a Rafale fighter jet using an inventory missile to down a relatively small balloon carrying a payload.

In 2023, the United States shot down a Chinese spy balloon over the Atlantic Ocean using a fifth-generation F-22 Raptor. The balloon had traversed North American airspace for several days before being neutralized by the US Air Force. During that period, two additional incidents involving such balloons were reported in the US

In India's case, a spy balloon was reportedly sighted over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around the same time. Despite being observed for three to four days, no immediate action was taken, and the balloon eventually drifted away.

The balloons are believed to be equipped with steering mechanisms, allowing them to stabilize over areas of interest for surveillance purposes, according to an ANI report.

The IAF had been discussing the threat posed by these high-altitude balloons and had engaged in talks with the U.S. Air Force last year on evolving mechanisms to deal with such threats in the future.