, Columnist
The Pentagon Isn’t Ready for Spy Balloons of the Future
The US military showed it’s good at shooting down one flying object at a time. But what if it detects a vast Chinese fleet?
One down, many to go.
Photographer: Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Thompson/US NavyThis article is for subscribers only.
Over a decade ago, as part of an indoctrination course for newly selected admirals and generals, I toured Cheyenne Mountain, the sophisticated command and control citadel in Colorado that is the beating heart of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD.
It was what you’d expect in a sophisticated military installation: huge screens, flashing lights, softly humming machines and serious-looking watch officers. The coffee reminded me of what you’d get on the bridge of a Navy warship on the midnight watch — dark, strong and consumed at a high rate. I went away impressed.