NORAD fighter jets intercepted a nonthreatening balloon flying over Utah, determining it posed no threat to national security or aviation. The balloon, believed to be made of mylar and carrying a two-foot cube box, was tracked at an altitude of about 44,000 feet. Officials have not disclosed its origin or purpose, but have reassured that it was not sent by a foreign adversary. The interception comes after heightened interest in reports of balloons flying over the U.S. following the shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon last year.
A small, nonthreatening balloon flying over Utah was intercepted by a fighter jet, but was determined to pose no threat to national security. NORAD is coordinating with the FAA to monitor the balloon, which was detected at high altitudes. Lawmakers and local officials have been monitoring the situation. This incident comes after the U.S. shot down a large Chinese spy balloon last year, part of a global surveillance program that Beijing has been conducting for several years.
NORAD intercepted a 50-foot high-altitude balloon flying over Utah at 43,000-45,000 feet, determining it to be non-maneuverable and not a threat to national security. The balloon, with an unknown payload, was allowed to continue flying above the U.S. after coordination with the FAA. Its origins and purpose remain unclear, but the incident follows the previous tracking and shootdown of a Chinese spy balloon, leading to increased detection and interception of high-altitude balloons by NORAD.
