The Chinese high-altitude balloon that made headlines in 2023 when it crossed across the country for unknown reasons contained technology made by at least five American companies, according to Newsweek.
Former President Joe Biden described the balloon at the time as being "most likely tied to private companies, recreation or research institutions." Beijing claimed that it was a meteorological balloon that was blown off course.
According to Newsweek's sources, a 75-page military analysis, which is based on parts collected from the 2023 balloon and two others, reportedly shows that the balloon contained technology that allowed it to conduct surveys, take photographs, and to collect intelligence data, including a satellite communications module, sensors, and other technology from at least five different U.S.-based companies.
Sources told Newsweek that the balloon may have also contained gliders that could be used for the gathering of more detailed data, but noted that the balloon's storage bays were empty when it was found after being shot down.
Newsweek noted that the analysis, which the publication was not able to directly review, was conducted by a Foreign Materiel Exploitation Squadron at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center in Ohio.
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.
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