On June 23, 2025, Rafale and Mirage 2000 aircraft intercepted stratospheric balloons at an altitude of over 20 km in an unprecedented exercise by the French Air Force.

An unprecedented operation at very high altitude

On June 23, 2025, the French Air and Space Force conducted a rare and strategic technical operation: the interception of stratospheric balloons by fighter jets. The exercise took place from Cazaux Air Base 120 in the Landes region, mobilizing Rafale and Mirage 2000-5 aircraft armed with MICA missiles. According to the military command, the aircraft engaged simulated targets flying at an altitude of over 20,000 meters, in the Very High Altitude (VHA) zone.

This operation, carried out against a backdrop of growing tension surrounding air surveillance – amplified by the incident involving Chinese balloons intercepted by the United States in 2023 – aims to strengthen France’s ability to control the upper layers of the atmosphere. At these altitudes, detection, interception, and guidance capabilities are challenged, particularly due to the thinning of the air, the limitations of conventional radar, and the reduced maneuverability of weapon delivery systems.

This technical achievement is a first for the French military. It is part of a broader effort to adapt to modern threats, where stratospheric balloons are becoming inexpensive and difficult-to-neutralize vectors for observation, surveillance, and electronic disruption using conventional doctrines.

An air strategy focused on very high altitude

The area known as VHA (Very High Altitude), between 20,000 and 50,000 meters, is neither entirely airspace nor truly space. It represents a gray area in military doctrine. Long considered of little operational value, it is now attracting the attention of strategists. The French Air Force is adapting its doctrine to take into account the growing use of stratospheric balloons, which are capable of hovering at high altitudes for several days.

The exercises conducted at Cazaux are part of the “Air and Space Strategy 2030” plan, which aims to strengthen French fighter jet capabilities in extreme environments. At this altitude, traditional aircraft have reduced maneuverability, their engines struggle to produce thrust, and the electromagnetic environment is unstable. However, thanks to their Snecma M88-2 engines, the Rafale aircraft retain their interception capability up to an altitude of around 21,000 meters. Their RBE2 AESA radar enables long-range detection, even of targets with low thermal reactivity such as balloons.

The operation consisted of guiding the long-range MICA EM (Electromagnetic) missile toward highly mobile and low-reflective targets in a thin atmosphere. This launch shows that, under certain conditions, French fighter jets can project their power well beyond standard flight ceilings.

A tactical response to emerging threats

Since the incident involving a Chinese balloon shot down over US territory in February 2023, several countries, including France, have been working to counter these often underestimated devices. The interception carried out in June 2025 is part of this information rearmament strategy. Stratospheric balloons, which appear rudimentary, can carry optical, radar, or electronic warfare payloads, or even interceptors or mini-drones. They cost an average of $50,000 to $150,000 depending on their payload, which is much less than a satellite, and do not require the same authorizations.

For a fighter jet such as the Mirage 2000-5, flying at around 2,340 km/h at high altitude, intercepting a stationary balloon at 20,000 meters is a kinetic challenge. The aircraft must approach at a stabilized subsonic speed to fire effectively, while ensuring the missile’s accuracy. This maneuver was made possible by coordination between the Rafale’s radar system, L16 tactical links, and operational command.

The MICA missile, designed for fast and maneuverable targets, proved capable of destroying slow-moving objects by adjusting its guidance algorithms. This demonstrates the flexibility of the French weapons system, which can adapt to new threats without major modifications to its equipment.

A demonstration of technical sovereignty

Beyond technical prowess, this operation reflects a strategic affirmation: France intends to control its airspace and zones of influence in all layers of the atmosphere. General Stéphane Mille, Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force, had emphasized this ambition as early as 2023, indicating that the THA zone would become an operational priority.

The choice of Cazaux for this exercise is not insignificant. The base is home to squadrons specialising in experimentation, such as the 5/330 Côte d’Argent fighter and experimental squadron, which is working on the validation of unconventional engagement profiles. The flights involved at least two Rafale and one Mirage 2000-5 aircraft, with several firing runs at different altitudes and speeds.

This demonstration also comes in the context of technological competition with powers such as China and the United States, which are investing heavily in unmanned systems and air jamming capabilities. The United States recently integrated anti-balloon capabilities into its F-22 and F-35 aircraft, with mixed operational results. France seems to have found a viable formula using existing resources.

This capability could also be deployed in overseas theaters: the Sahel, the Indo-Pacific, or over overseas territories. In these regions, atmospheric surveillance by balloons is becoming a challenge in the face of asymmetric adversaries or those with sophisticated surveillance capabilities.

A milestone towards the air doctrine of the future

The interception of stratospheric balloons by French fighter jets sets an operational precedent. It demonstrates that force projection is no longer limited to the traditional atmosphere. As threats move to the upper layers of the air, doctrines will need to incorporate this expanded verticality.

The French Air and Space Force is already preparing a series of complementary exercises. These will focus on high-altitude passive detection, interoperability with stratospheric drones, and strengthening ground-air-space coordination. The Directorate General of Armament (DGA) is also studying sensors capable of detecting the infrasonic signatures of balloons or their electromagnetic emissions.

This strategy relies on existing platforms such as the Rafale, whose next versions are expected to incorporate specialized modules for very high altitudes. It is also a question of anticipating the arrival of competing airborne systems: solar drones, communications relay balloons, and orbital interceptors.

By developing a credible engagement capability at altitudes of over 20 kilometers, France is paving the way for a doctrine in which conventional fighter jets can still play a role in the face of emerging technologies. This also implies a paradigm shift in pilot training, mission management, and the integration of artificial intelligence for decision support.

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