Britain allocated £100 million to buy U.S. spy balloons that can track hypersonic weapons

U.S.-made high-altitude unguided balloons will be used for reconnaissance and surveillance. The U.K. Ministry of Defence has allocated £100 million. As part of the Aether project, the United Kingdom wants advanced communications systems for long-term missions.

The defence establishment said it wants spy balloons for near-real-time surveillance and reconnaissance. One of the key requirements for the communications system is fast manoeuvrings and minimal maintenance.

Sierra Nevada Corporation Air balloons can stay in the air for long periods of time without having to return to the ground. Another feature of the balloons is the ability to track hypersonic weapons.