Pakistan and China set to face the heat in coming days, will they continue to remain friends? Check India's connection
China has always had the back of Pakistan and time and again, it has proved to be a great friend of India's arch rival. This was also confirmed during the recent Operation Sindoor of the Indian Armed Forces in which, China shared satellite and technical intelligence information against India with Pakistan. Islamabad also used Chinese weapons against India in response to this operation. But now the tension of these two countries is going to increase. The situation will become so bad that both will have to struggle to save their own lives. In such a situation, they will not even get a chance to think about helping each other.
Indian Air Force is increasing its presence in near space
In fact, the Indian Air Force has begun to look beyond traditional airspace in light of regional conditions. This strategic region is near space, which extends from 20 to 100 kilometers above the Earth's surface. This region, often called the 'unseen middle,' lies above the reach of conventional aircraft and below the orbits of satellites. This area provides a unique opportunity for long-range surveillance, communications, and defense applications of enemy territory. With advances in high-altitude platforms, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic technology, the Indian Air Force is beginning to establish its presence in this emerging region.
What are the benefits of being in near space?
According to the Asia Times report, near space offers several strategic advantages. It allows for continuous monitoring of disputed or remote areas, supports reliable communication links in difficult terrain and enables early detection of missile threats. Unlike satellites, near-space platforms can be operated, recovered and redeployed quickly and cost-effectively. At the same time, satellites follow the predicted orbits of any missiles and also face threats from anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons.
India will keep a close watch on these areas
Moreover, the growing military applications of near space also serve India's broader security priorities. It can prove to be quite effective, especially with regard to monitoring Chinese activities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), security of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and countering the growing missile capabilities of neighbouring countries. One of the most immediate applications of near space for the IAF is in the area of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). Platforms such as high-altitude pseudo satellites (HAPS) and stratospheric balloons can conduct surveillance from altitudes of 20 to 30 kilometres for long durations.
Solar-powered and equipped with advanced sensors, these systems can provide high-resolution images and signal intelligence over a wide area. This persistent aerial presence is ideal for border surveillance, especially in remote areas such as Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and the Siachen Glacier. Conventional drones and manned aircraft are limited by fuel and endurance, while satellites can only fly over a given area at fixed intervals. HAPS and similar near-space vehicles can fill this critical surveillance gap.
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