Stratospheric platforms in future wars: US tests balloon swarms; India backs Rs 15,000cr airships
The US and India are both investing in high-altitude stratospheric platforms, such as balloons and airships, for military surveillance and communication. These technologies are intended to provide persistent monitoring and operational support in contested environments.
Why it matters
The shift toward stratospheric warfare represents a new frontier in military technology, potentially changing how nations conduct reconnaissance and maintain communications during conflicts.
The US Army is exploring the deployment of hundreds of high-altitude balloons in a future European conflict to monitor enemy movements, maintain communications, deceive air defences and potentially launch drones, highlighting the growing military significance of the stratosphere. India, meanwhile, is developing its own high-altitude airship capability under a Rs 15,000-crore programme aimed at providing persistent surveillance along its borders.The US Army's plan envisages deploying 200 to 300 balloons at a time, with hundreds or potentially thousands operating towards adversary territory during a major conflict. The platforms could carry reconnaissance equipment, electronic sensors and communications payloads, while some could deploy drones for surveillance, electronic warfare or strikes.
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