New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has shown its capability to neutralise high-altitude spy balloon-type targets and has successfully conducting an operation at over 55,000 feet along the eastern front. Defence sources said that the IAF employed a Rafale fighter jet to strike down a smaller version of the Chinese spy balloon recently. The operation took place within the jurisdiction of the Eastern Air Command a few months ago. The balloon, equipped with a payload, was shot down using an inventory missile. This further showcased the IAF’s growing strategic defence capabilities.
The achievement comes in the wake of discussions held between the IAF and the American Air Force last year about the challenge posed by these high-altitude surveillance balloons. The ability to strike targets at such extreme heights has become critical for nations as these balloons are believed to be used for gathering intelligence over vast areas.
Global efforts to counter Chinese spy balloons
The operation closely mirrors the actions taken by the US Air Force in early 2023, when a fifth-generation F-22 Raptor was deployed to shoot down a Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina after it had traversed North America.
Similar surveillance balloons have also been spotted over Indian territories, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, although no action was taken at the time. It is believed that these balloons are equipped with a steering mechanism, allowing them to hover over strategic locations for extended periods.
IAF prepares for future threats
During the IAF’s operation, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who was then Vice Chief of Air Staff, oversaw the overall operations, while Vice Chief Air Marshal SP Dharkar was the Eastern Air Commander. The former Director General Air Operations, Air Marshal Surat Singh, now serves as the Eastern Air Commander. The IAF is now preparing standard operating procedures to counter such threats in the future.
