SOURCE: AFI
In a significant display of military capability, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully intercepted and destroyed a Chinese spy balloon-type target at a high altitude of over 55,000 feet. The incident occurred in the Eastern Air Command’s area of responsibility.
While the specific missile used to down the balloon was not officially disclosed, reports speculate that it was a MICA-IR air-to-air missile. The MICA IR is a versatile weapon designed for modern multi-role combat aircraft, including the Rafale and improved versions of the Mirage 2000-5.
Equipped with a dual-waveband, passive imaging IR seeker, the MICA IR offers precise terminal guidance. Its active RF, mono-pulse Doppler seeker enables all-weather shoot-up/shoot-down capabilities. The missile can operate in both lock-on before launch and lock-on after launch modes. Additionally, an infrared search and track (IRST) system allows for autonomous target detection, tracking, and lock-on.
The MICA IR’s high-explosive warhead is triggered by RF proximity fuse, direct impact fuse, or focused splinters. This capability, coupled with its ability to engage targets at high altitudes, demonstrates the IAF’s preparedness to counter potential aerial threats.
The successful interception of the balloon serves as a clear message to potential adversaries that India possesses the military capability to defend its airspace against various threats, including those from emerging technologies.