Shooting down the balloon was probably limited to an F-16, F-15, F-22, or F-35. I don't believe the U2 carries missiles, it is a reconnaissance aircraft.
Quote:
Originally Posted by flyingrise@gmail.com
Japan in 1944 launched several fire bomb balloons over the US. One killed a group a group of hikers. I think it was 4. One took out a power line in Washington state. One was found in Michigan.
An added note There was a record broke in Sailplanes recently. Over 100,000 feet!
They have been able to fly over 60,000 feet for decades.
Balloons have been used in spying for hundreds of years.
You don't need a U2 or a F 22 to get high enough to shoot it down.
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