According to journalists, the operation marks an important milestone for India: it was possible to prove the capabilities of the Air Force in destroying targets in previously unexplored flight areas.
In recent exercises, the Indian Air Force demonstrated its ability to intercept Chinese balloons at a very high altitude. At the same time, one of the 36 French Dassault Rafale aircraft was used. A conventional target at an altitude of approximately 16.7 km was successfully hit. The Times of India writes about this.
The authors of the publication refer to a source who said that this operation marks an important milestone for India: it was possible to prove the capabilities of the Air Force in destroying targets in previously unexplored flight areas.
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200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000The Rafale of the Indian Air Force was first delivered in 2020 under a contract signed with France in 2016. It is a universal combat aircraft designed for high-altitude operations, with an increased flight range and high payload. The Rafale can carry a wide range of guided and unguided munitions and provides flexible capabilities.
The exercise comes amid increased interest in very high-altitude security, especially after the US Air Force shot down a Chinese spy ball over maritime territory in 2023 USA.
A nearly 60-meter diameter Chinese ball with a 900 kg payload could be used as a high-altitude intelligence-gathering tool.
Given tensions with China, especially over the Arunachal region -Pradesh, India is preparing for the possible appearance of Chinese balloons in its airspace.
During a recent operation, the Indian Rafale was armed with Meteor and MICA missiles capable of hitting targets at ranges of 200 km and 80 km respectively. Details of the tactics used to intercept the target at such a high altitude, which is the Rafale's operational ceiling, have not been disclosed.