(Washington) A small “balloon” floating at high altitude above Utah was intercepted Friday by the United States Air Force, but was deemed not to pose a risk to national security or aviation, a announced the American-Canadian military agency, cited by American media.
The North American Airspace Command (NORAD) explained in a press release, in coordination with the United States 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 unmaneuverable and did not present a threat to national security,” NORAD said in its statement.
The FAA for its part also determined that the balloon did not present a danger to aviation, again according to NORAD.
NORAD, however, clarified that it would “continue to monitor it”.
According to CBS, citing a US official on condition of anonymity, the balloon has a cubic box about 60 cm long suspended on each side.
In February 2023, the United States spotted and shot down a huge white balloon from China that 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 could detect smaller objects.