<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true"><li>French fighter jets shot down high-altitude balloons with air-to-air missiles in a recent test.</li><li>France warns of a heated battle for near space and aims to operate in the area.</li><li>The test assessed the effectiveness of weapons systems at very high altitudes exceeding 12 miles.</li><li>Spy balloons, such as a Chinese one intercepted by the US in 2023, raise concerns.</li><li>French military's Very High Altitude strategy includes air defense radars and fighter jets.</li></ul>

French fighter jets practiced shooting down high-altitude balloons as the battle for near space heats up

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