‘Spy Balloons’ Play a Critical Role in Afghanistan
Simply put, blimps are easier and quicker to build that unmanned aerial drones. This is the rationale of the Pentagon’s recent push to increase the use of what USA Today is calling ’spy balloons’ in Afghanistan to meet a growing military demand for video surveillance of insurgents. According to the Pentagon, these balloons fitted with high-powered cameras are needed because unmanned planes such as the Predator can’t be built fast enough. On top of that, the demand for video surveillance equipment from Afghan battlefield commanders has been 20 times the rate of supply. Currently there are currently 30 of these spy balloons in Afghanistan, and the goal is to have 64 of them floating thousands of feet above U.S. bases and key areas in the country. And the surveillance technology is on par with drones, and the cost is $10 million each. Definitely a viable and quick solution to meet urgent GEOINT needs. Read more here.
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