Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said that the balloon from China that was shot down in February of this year was indeed carrying spy equipment, but for some reason was not collecting intelligence.
Ryder made this statement during a media briefing, reports RIA Novosti.
According to him, the balloon had reconnaissance capabilities, but it did not collect intelligence while flying over the United States.
Recall that on February 4, a Chinese balloon was shot down in the skies over the United States, which crossed the airspace of the state. Chinese authorities have repeatedly stated that the device was intended solely for meteorological observations.
Earlier it became known that U.S. warships will be equipped with drones.