Why China's surveillance balloon is more intriguing than alarming
The Malmstrom AFB-headquartered 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron maintains immediate launch readiness of 150 Minuteman III ICBMs and 15 missile alert facilities spread over a 13,800 square-mile complex. (Photo: US DoD)
While capturing headlines, the intelligence-collection capabilities of the Chinese balloon currently floating over the US are likely limited.
On 2 February, the US government announced it was tracking a Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that had appeared over the continental US.
The balloon was most recently sighted flying over the northern border state of Montana, home to a number of US Minuteman nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos.
In a statement, Pentagon Press Secretary Brig Gen Pat Ryder said: 'The balloon is currently travelling at an altitude well above commercial air traffic and does not present a military or physical threat to people on the ground. Instances of this kind of balloon activity have been observed previously over the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
