US jets intercept high-altitude balloon over Utah
In a recent incident, US military aircraft intercepted a high-altitude balloon drifting over the western part of the country, and after investigation, officials deemed it non-threatening. The small, non-maneuverable object posed no risk to flight safety, although its origin and purpose remain unknown.
The incident occurred on Friday as the balloon floated over Colorado and Utah, reaching an altitude of approximately 44,000 feet (13,400 meters). Responding to the potential threat, US officials scrambled fighter jets to assess the situation. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (Norad), responsible for air defense over the US and Canada, reported that its fighter jets intercepted the balloon over Utah.
Despite concerns, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determined that the balloon did not pose a hazard to flight safety. Norad assured that it would continue tracking and monitoring the object, which was expected to be over Georgia by Friday night.
According to an unnamed source cited by CBS News, the balloon was constructed with Mylar, a type of polyester film, and had a small cube-shaped box suspended beneath it. While the purpose of this unconventional aircraft remains unclear, officials have concluded that it does not present any immediate danger.
This incident follows a similar event from the previous year when the US shot down a Chinese balloon that traversed the country from Alaska to the east coast. The 2023 episode resulted in a diplomatic crisis between Washington and Beijing. The Chinese government insisted that the balloon was a weather ship blown off course, denying any espionage intentions. In response, then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a planned trip to China, labeling the balloon’s presence as an “irresponsible act.” An F-22 jet fighter was deployed to destroy the Chinese balloon off the coast of South Carolina.
While the recent balloon incident has not escalated to the level of its predecessor, it highlights the sensitivity surrounding aerial intrusions and the vigilance of US authorities in ensuring the safety of airspace. Ongoing monitoring will likely provide more insights into the purpose and origin of the mysterious high-altitude balloon.
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