India Conducts Maiden Flight Test of High-Altitude Spy Balloon
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has carried out the maiden flight trial of an indigenous stratospheric airship designed for high-altitude surveillance.
Launched from the Sheopur test site in Madhya Pradesh, the prototype reached an altitude of 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) while carrying an instrument payload.
It remained airborne for about 62 minutes before being successfully recovered.
DRDO said the data collected during the flight will be used to refine the platform for future missions.
“This lighter-than-air system will enhance India’s earth observation and intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, making the country one of the few countries in the world having such indigenous capabilities,” the agency wrote on X.
Persistent Eyes in the Sky
Stratospheric spy balloons operate well above the reach of most fighter jets and air defense systems, giving them an unobstructed vantage point over areas of interest.
Unlike satellites that orbit the planet, these airships can hover over targets for extended periods, providing persistent surveillance.
Still, maintaining flight at such heights comes with challenges, including high winds and volatile weather conditions.
While India has advanced its own surveillance balloon capabilities, it is also preparing to counter similar threats. In October 2024, the Indian Air Force conducted interception drills using Rafale fighter jets to target hostile high-altitude balloons.
