[FoxNews] NORAD says it 'monitored the likely hobby balloon via ground radars until it left US airspace'.
The Pentagon said the latest high altitude balloon detected over the United States is a "likely hobby" craft, about a year after a Chinese spy balloon traversed the continental U.S., sparking controversy.
| Moved to Page 3: Non-WoT at 4:45 p.m. ET. |
Two defense officials told Fox News that the balloon detected flying over the U.S. has been identified as the property of an amateur balloonist and is not from China. The balloon was spotted over Utah and was heading east.
NORAD first announced the high altitude balloon on Friday, noting that it was observed at between roughly 43,000 and 45,000 feet.
"The balloon was intercepted by NORAD fighters over Utah, who determined it was not maneuverable and did not present a threat to national security. NORAD will continue to track and monitor the balloon," NORAD said. "The FAA also determined the balloon posed no hazard to flight safety. NORAD remains in close coordination with the FAA to ensure flight safety."
Related:
NORAD: 2024-02-24 US Military is Tracking High-Altitude Balloon Over Colorado – Pentagon Scrambles Jets to Investigate
NORAD: 2023-12-24 Biden administration 'planned to keep Chinese spy balloon that hovered over US for weeks SECRET from the public and Congress': Air Force commander admits device 'exposed significant gaps' in intelligence agencies
NORAD: 2023-08-15 Denmark escorts two Russian aircraft over the North Sea
NORAD: 2024-02-24 US Military is Tracking High-Altitude Balloon Over Colorado – Pentagon Scrambles Jets to Investigate
NORAD: 2023-12-24 Biden administration 'planned to keep Chinese spy balloon that hovered over US for weeks SECRET from the public and Congress': Air Force commander admits device 'exposed significant gaps' in intelligence agencies
NORAD: 2023-08-15 Denmark escorts two Russian aircraft over the North Sea