2024-02-24 10:58:57
A small “balloon” floating at high altitude above Utah (western United States) was intercepted Friday by the American Air Force, but was deemed to pose no risk to national security or to the population. aviation, announced the American-Canadian military agency, cited by the American media.
The North American Military Airspace Command (NORAD) explained in a press release, in coordination with the American Aviation Agency (FAA), that it had “detected a small balloon at an altitude of more than 13,000 meters” , according to CBS News.
“The balloon was intercepted by NORAD fighter jets, who determined that it was not maneuverable and did not present a threat to national security,” NORAD said in its press release.
The FAA for its part also determined that the balloon did not present a danger to aviation, once more according to NORAD.
NORAD, however, clarified that it would “continue to monitor it”.
According to CBS quoting a US official on condition of anonymity, the balloon has a cubic box regarding 60cm long suspended on each side.
In February 2023, the United States spotted and shot down a huge white balloon from China which was flying over a series of top secret nuclear weapons sites.
Beijing had denied using spy balloons, and explained that the one shot down was intended for meteorological research.
Following this event, the American army adjusted its criteria so that its radars might detect smaller objects.
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