The IAF neutralised a high-altitude balloon threat at over 55,000 feet along the eastern front.
The balloon, although smaller than the infamous Chinese surveillance balloon shot down by the United States earlier this year, was equipped with a payload designed to simulate a potential threat. The IAF swiftly engaged the balloon using an inventory missile, underscoring its growing capability to tackle high-altitude objects, often utilized for surveillance purposes.
This operation comes on the heels of heightened global attention towards airborne threats following the U.S. military’s action in February 2023, where an F-22 Raptor fighter jet shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon. In response to such incidents, the IAF has been actively enhancing its readiness and tactics to counter unconventional aerial challenges. Discussions and consultations with the U.S. Air Force have been ongoing, reflecting a collaborative approach towards bolstering aerial security.