United States releases Chinese Balloon photograph taken from U2

 In this photo, you can see the U2's shadow.

Failed Balloon Run

It's now known that the U.S. Air Force did attempt to shoot down the Chinese balloon over Montana, using the F-22's cannons as the intended weapon, but the balloon exceeded the height at which the fighter could operate.

Blog Mirror: THE US AIRFORCE MAY HAVE SHOT DOWN AN AMATEUR RADIO PICO BALLOON OVER CANADA

 

THE US AIRFORCE MAY HAVE SHOT DOWN AN AMATEUR RADIO PICO BALLOON OVER CANADA

Why Canada didn't shoot down the "unidentified" object over its own airspace and relied upon the USAF to do it.

 An excellent thread on NORAD and the strategic considerations that went into it and the modern RCAF:

Why didn't Canada shoot down the object?

Very revealing about the Canadian military budget and the current number of fighter aircraft, and type, that Canada has.

Lex Anteinternet: Saturday, February 13, 1943. Corsairs deploy,

Lex Anteinternet: Saturday, February 13, 1943. Corsairs deploy, Wom...: 

Saturday, February 13, 1943. Corsairs deploy, Women Marines.

F4U Corsairs arrived at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, their first combat deployment.  The first actual combat would take place two days later.

While a carrier plane, the Corsair was at first deployed from land airstrips out of concerns that the high angle at which it sat when on its tail would make carrier operations difficult.  This was rapidly proven a false fear, as the Royal Navy put their Corsairs to carrier operations immediately.

 

Governor Dunleavy Issues Statement on Unidentified Object Shot Down Over Alaska

Feb 10, 2023

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy issued the following statement today regarding the unidentified object shot down this morning over Alaskan waters.

“Today’s announcement by the Pentagon that an unidentified object was shot down by an F-22 from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson over Alaska’s coastline raises serious national security concerns that should concern every American. I want to thank our Alaska-based military for eliminating the potential threat before it was flying over our land.

This latest intrusion into our airspace raises serious questions about the White House’s decision to not shoot down a Chinese spy balloon last week when it was above the Aleutian Chain and prevent it from flying over important military sites in the Lower-48.

Unlike other states, Alaska is truly on the front lines. Because of our close proximity to our neighbors there is very little margin for error. Russian territory is only a few miles away. We are the one state closest to the Korean Peninsula and China. Alaska is truly on the front lines.

As such, decisions need to be made quickly to preserve the territorial integrity of Alaska and the United States. This incident is further evidence that the military capability of Alaska is robust. An important discussion should ensue about improving those capabilities, including icebreakers, Army, Air Force and Navy capabilities.

If the last few days are any indication, this may be the new norm and we must be prepared. The Alaska National Guard is working closely with USNORTHCOM and other agencies to provide any support as requested.

This latest incident demonstrates that Alaska remains the most strategic place on earth for both geopolitics and national defense.”

Lex Anteinternet: Wars and Rumors of War, 2023, Part 2. The United States shoots down a Chinese spy balloon.

Lex Anteinternet: Wars and Rumors of War, 2023, Part 2. The Gatherin...: 

Feb 4, cont.

China v. US.

Perhaps for the first time since World War One, a US aircraft has shot down a balloon.

Lex Anteinternet: Wars and Rumors of War, 2023, Part 2. The Gatherin...

Lex Anteinternet: Wars and Rumors of War, 2023, Part 2. The Gatherin...: 

China

China has been overflying the United States with a spy balloon.   The US pondered shooting it down, but concluded its intelligence gathering abilities are limited, and it would be more dangerous as a falling object.  

Yesterday it was over Montana.