All of these Chinese spy ships are capable of monitoring every movement from the seabed to the heights of the sky.
New Delhi: India is planning missile tests in the Indian Ocean, and a NOTAM has been issued for this purpose, declaring a designated area of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean from the Chandipur testing range in Odisha as a no-fly zone. Meanwhile, the arrival of four Chinese spy ships in this area has escalated tensions. All of these Chinese spy ships are operating in international waters, but their range allows them to monitor every movement from the seabed to the heights of the sky. This poses a threat to India’s missile tests.
Four Chinese spy ships in the Indian Ocean
Three Chinese spy ships are already operating in the Indian Ocean. Of these, the spy ship, Shi Yan 6, is stationed near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This ship entered the Indian Ocean through the Strait of Malacca a few days ago. The second spy ship, Shen He Yi Hao, is operating in the Indian Ocean south of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Meanwhile, the third spy ship, Lan Hai 201, is stationed near the Maldives and is conducting sea surveys. The fourth, Lan Hai 101, was recently spotted moving through the Strait of Malacca towards the Indian Ocean.
Why are Chinese spy ships dangerous?
China describes its spy ships as survey vessels and has repeatedly denied that these ships carry out espionage missions. However, China uses these spy ships for military and scientific purposes. This includes mapping the seas and even aerial reconnaissance. The systems on these ships can monitor enemy air traffic. Furthermore, they can detect sonar signals and even determine the call signs of warships and submarines. Additionally, information can be gathered about the specifications of air-launched missiles.
What is India planning to do in the Indian Ocean?
Given the NOTAM, it is speculated that India may soon test the K-4 submarine-launched missile. This NOTAM is effective between December 1 and 4. It declares an area of 3,484 km as a no-fly zone. The K-4 is a medium-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) developed by the DRDO. It has a range of approximately 3,500 km and is powered by solid rocket propellant. It is primarily designed to equip the Indian Navy’s Arihant-class nuclear submarines.
