Is it overkill to hit a balloon with a missile?

Some experts explained that the huge balloons in the stratosphere are almost invulnerable and difficult to shoot down with machine guns.

(Associated Press)

[Instant News/Comprehensive Report] The suspected Chinese spy balloon entered the U.S. airspace last week and slowly crossed the continental United States until the afternoon of the 4th local time. Some people question whether it is a big deal to use missiles to hit balloons?

Experts explain that the huge balloons in the stratosphere are almost invulnerable and difficult to shoot down with machine guns.

On the afternoon of the 4th local time, the U.S. military sent F-22 fighter jets to use the latest Sidewinder air-to-air missile AIM-9X to shoot down suspected Chinese spy balloons over the coast of South Carolina.

Why not attack with aircraft and cannons? In this regard, Forbes (Forbes) said in an article, "Shooting down Chinese spy balloons is more difficult than you imagine."

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"Forbes" reported that the huge balloons in the stratosphere are highly resistant to existing weapons. The public may think that as long as the balloon is punctured, it will burst and fall, but this length is 27.4 meters, which is equivalent to The huge balloon of 3 buses is filled with a large amount of helium. The material of the balloon is made of highly elastic latex or other materials. hole, unable to release enough helium for the balloon to fall.

In 1998, a Canadian weather balloon went out of control and flew towards Russian airspace. Canada sent two CF-18 fighter jets and fired 1,000 rounds of machine guns at the balloon. Drifting away in the airspace, in addition to not being able to release enough helium to make the balloon fall, it is also difficult for a fighter plane flying at high speed to target a slowly drifting balloon.

The balloon floated to Northern Europe, and the warplanes sent by Norway and Sweden were unable to shoot it down. Finally, it entered Russian airspace and landed in the Arctic Ocean, ending this strange voyage.