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NORAD intercepts high-altitude balloon over Utah, says it doesn't pose any threat
Officials say a fighter jet intercepted the small balloon over Utah — determining it was not maneuverable and did not pose a threat.
Unidentified balloon belongs to amateur balloonist: US official
Officials previously said the balloon, which is hovering at between 43,000 to 45,000 feet, does not appear to pose a national security threat to the U.S.
The high-altitude balloon flying over the western U.S. is the property of an amateur balloonist, a U.S. official told NBC News Saturday.
- Prior to Saturday, the U.S. military said it was monitoring an unidentified "small" balloon flying at high altitudes over the west, according to two U.S. officials and a defense official.
- A fighter aircraft was sent to observe the balloon after it was spotted over Utah this morning.
- The balloon, which is hovering at between 43,000 to 45,000 feet, does not appear to pose a national security threat to the U.S., the officials said.
- The balloon is not maneuverable and has a small box-like payload, the officials said.
NBC News has reached out to the White House for comment. A National Security Council official referred NBC to the Defense Department for official comment.
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Pentagon tracking new unidentified balloon over western US
The intercept comes a year after a Chinese spy balloon crossed the U.S. before being shot down.
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