The Pentagon is trying to develop a new weapon to counter the growing influence of Russia and China, and it may seem strange to some that this weapon is an airship.
The new balloon, or what’s known as a rubber plane, will join the US Department of Defense’s extensive surveillance network and could eventually be used to track hypersonic weapons, Politico reported.
This balloon can fly at an altitude of 60-90 thousand feet.
The idea may sound like science fiction, but a Pentagon budget document notes that the technology is from science to military service.
High or very high surveillance platforms have advantages in terms of endurance, maneuverability and the ability to accommodate multiple payloads, said Tom Caracco, project director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The Pentagon continues to invest in projects like this as the military may use the air cushions for multiple missions.
Over the past two years, the Pentagon has spent more than $3.8 million on balloon projects and plans to spend $27 million in fiscal year 2023. To continue working in this field.
Airships could help track and intercept hypersonic weapons being developed by Russia and China.
Source: Lebanon Debate
