Chinese spy balloons floating over the US and latin america

[CallumJohn]

Apparently these things are huge - the metal part is reportedly ~3 school-buses large. F-22's were scrambled to shoot it down but ended up not doing it, my biggest questions are: what are they measuring or looking at that isn't already available from satellites or the internet? And why didn't Canada shoot the one in the US down while it was crossing over their mostly unpopulated wilderness.

 

[Llarry]

Way back when -- in the fabulous Fifties -- the CIA did the same thing with (smaller, I guess) balloons bearing cameras over the USSR. I don't think the photo take was too valuable, but of course it was highly classified.

 

[skybert]

Psychological maybe? “We fly right over your missile fields and your leaders are powerless”

Because yes, all our enemy’s satellites do it day in and day out, but they’re out of sight for the most part?

 

[sevenhelmet]

Desensitizing us for an EMP strike?

I’m kidding… or am I? ?

 

[HuggyU2]

 

[insanebikerboy]

The US got some closeup pictures today, in true fashion it’s a cheap Chinese knockoff of a spy balloon.

 

[hscs]

U.S. Shoots Down Surveillance Balloon: China Condemns U.S. Decision to Shoot Down Spy Balloon (Published 2023)

The Chinese government said the downing of the “civilian” aircraft was an “excessive reaction,” and that it “retains the right to respond further.”

www.nytimes.com

 

[TF7325]

U.S. Shoots Down Surveillance Balloon: China Condemns U.S. Decision to Shoot Down Spy Balloon (Published 2023)

The Chinese government said the downing of the “civilian” aircraft was an “excessive reaction,” and that it “retains the right to respond further.”

www.nytimes.com

Splash one ?

 

[Mos]

So does a balloon silhouette get painted on the fighter that shot this down?

 

[jmcquate]

So does a balloon silhouette get painted on the fighter that shot this down?

They counted as kills in WWI.

 

[sevenhelmet]

That pilot definitely needs a callsign review board right now.

Pierce, Poof, Popper, Blow… the possibilities are endless!

 

[TF7325]

That pilot definitely needs a callsign review board right now.

Pierce, Poof, Popper, Blow… the possibilities are endless!

Looner hahahaha

 

[HSMPBR]

So does a balloon silhouette get painted on the fighter that shot this down?

I would tattoo it right on my ass

 

[Random8145]

I'll bet the pilot loved this, was probably thinking, "WOO-HOO, I get to use my weapons for real this time!"

Maybe I am naive but I just find it hilarious all the anguish and fury over a BALLOON from China caught flying over us. Honestly, I'll bet the Chinese are laughing their asses off at the American reaction, probably going ? ? I'm not saying a balloon isn't serious but just the reaction seems funny to me.

 

[Griz882]

U.S. Shoots Down Surveillance Balloon: China Condemns U.S. Decision to Shoot Down Spy Balloon (Published 2023)

The Chinese government said the downing of the “civilian” aircraft was an “excessive reaction,” and that it “retains the right to respond further.”

www.nytimes.com

Was it a AMC C-17 pilot shooting from 7 meters?