US Army general recounts a change of heart after seeing high-flying balloons in action

From doubt to interest

Rafferty, who leads Army Space and Missile Defense Command, said he questioned balloon proposals while serving in the organization then known as Army Futures Command. He was unsure whether the systems could work in practice.

That assessment shifted during a training exercise. Rafferty saw balloons stay in place while carrying out surveillance at high altitude.

Several roles under review

The Army is examining balloon platforms for a range of tasks, including surveillance and communications. They could also help support long-range strikes. Rafferty said balloons can use varying wind currents to move or remain above an area of interest. Satellites, by contrast, follow established orbital routes.

More tests ahead

The service plans several experiments with different stratospheric systems during the next year. Those efforts will build on trials in Europe and the Pacific. A senior Army official told Breaking Defense earlier in the week that the military had also tested the technology alongside operations in the Middle East. The Army’s interest is growing as it takes on more activity in space and near-space.