As of late, news sources have been plastered with headlines that chronicle, of many matters, a “Chinese Spy Balloon”. While the narrative continues to unfold and the complex timeline appears overwhelming, a simplified, easy to understand summary proved necessary. But look no further- the need has been remedied.
Beginning January 28, 2023, a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon was spotted above North America airspace, originally over the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported that the balloon was around 200 feet tall and weighed over a few thousand pounds, initially assessing that it did not pose a threat. On Monday, January 30th, the balloon passed over into Canadian airspace after which officials determined it was carrying surveillance equipment, solar panels tethered below the balloon, and a collection pod, in addition to specific motors and propellers that allow it to be guided toward distinct areas. Chinese spy balloons have been observed a number of times in years past both over the United States and abroad, over Europe and Asia, however for shorter periods of time. The following day, January 31st, the balloon returned to U.S. airspace above Idaho prompting President Biden to inquire about potential military options.
On February 1st, positions grew tense when the balloon began flying over Montana, one of the locations where the United States intercontinental ballistic missiles are kept at Malmstrom Air Force Base. Authorities grounded all flights at Billings Logan International Airport for a couple of hours as they considered how to proceed and began assembling F-22 fighter jets, should they need to be used. It was decided that the balloon not be addressed while flying over land, as the debris, which could have dispersed in a seven mile radius, had the potential to put civilians below at risk. As such, Biden ordered the Pentagon to arrange for the balloon to be shot down as soon as it was over U.S. territorial waters and confirmed to be safe. Officials continued to monitor the balloon and its capabilities over the next several days, and Biden approved their proposal to shoot down the balloon over Wilmington, North Carolina.
The ensuing day, Saturday, February 4th, flights were grounded by the FAA airports in North and South Carolina to prepare the military aircraft that would be used to take down the balloon. An F-22 shot a single AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missile that struck the balloon and forced it down at 2:39 pm. The balloon was recovered by several ships and navy divers and taken in for further analysis. China issued a statement that referred to the shoot-down as a violation of international practice and claimed that the balloon unintentionally entered U.S. airspace and was only being used for weather purposes.
Today, February 10th, an F-22 shot down an unidentified object that Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby stated was, “flying at an altitude of 40,000 feet and posed a reasonable threat to the safety of civilian flight”. Kirby noted that the object was shot down over Alaska out of an abundance of caution and was recommended by Biden. U.S. Officials have not yet confirmed if this object was a second Chinese spy balloon or released any additional information, leaving the story still in progress.