After President Joe Biden ordered the Chinese spy balloon to be shot down by two F-22 fighter jets off of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Saturday, the wreckage was reportedly salvaged and taken to an FBI lab for further testing.
The shooting of the balloon sparked fury from China and some people in the US, as it was taken down after it got the opportunity to complete its journey across the country. On the other hand, many were seen cheering as the surveillance aircraft plummeted into the ocean. Its wreckage was gathered by divers and other military personnel.
China, on the other hand, has condemned the fact that the US government decided to shoot down a so-called “civilian aircraft,” which escalated the diplomatic crisis between the two countries. It said in a statement: “The attack on Chinese civilian unmanned airship by force is an obvious overreaction. We express solemn protest against this move by the US side, and reserve rights to take necessary measures in dealing with similar situations.”
What happened to the Chinese spy balloon?
According to CNN sources, the remains of the balloon are expected to be taken to an FBI research lab in Virginia. There, the wreckage will be studied. The FBI and other counterintelligence authorities will work together to “categorize and assess the platform,” a senior defense official said.
According to experts, the remnants of the balloon can become an advantage against Chinese defense threats. John Ferrari from the American Enterprise Institute said that the balloon may have been sent to find holes in the country’s air defense warning systems.
John Ferrari from the American Enterprise Institute said the balloon may have been sent to find holes in the country’s air defense warning systems. According to the specialist in surveillance balloons William Kim the balloon most likely was guided by AI. There are several FBI locations are in Virginia, mainly focused in Fairfax and Quantico. As to which laboratory the balloon’s remnants will be sent to is not clear.