The Norwegian Defense Forces now state that they have no information about Chinese hot air balloons over Norwegian airspace. The US has five such sightings, according to the Pentagon.
A Chinese hot air balloon that had crossed the entire American continent was shot down by an American missile on Saturday evening.
According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, similar hot air balloons from China have flown over five continents. He stated this after a meeting with NATO’s Secretary General on Wednesday evening.
But they have not been observed over Norway, according to FOH, the Norwegian Armed Forces’ operational headquarters at Reitan outside Bodø:
– The Norwegian Defense Forces do not have information that indicates that there have been Chinese hot air balloons or similar in Norwegian airspace, writes Jonny Karlsen, spokesperson for FOH, in an email to VG on Thursday morning.
American authorities are now trying to find out as much as possible about the Chinese balloon by collecting wreckage after the shooting down and examining digital traces.
According to the US defense leadership in the Pentagon, they have information about four previous Chinese spy-balloon flights over locations in the US that may be of interest to Beijing.
Postponed China visit
Foreign Minister Blinken has postponed a planned visit to China after the balloon incident, which the US perceives as an illegal flight in US airspace and a breach of international agreements.
According to Reuters, China on Thursday rejected a telephone inquiry from the US authorities as a reaction to the downing.
Japan also confirmed on Thursday that it has registered what it suspects are Chinese balloon overflights over Japanese airspace in 2022.
More intelligence
At the press conference with Blinken in Washington on Wednesday evening, the NATO chief said that the balloon flight confirms a pattern of Chinese behavior.
The defense alliance must be prepared for the “constant threat” from Chinese intelligence, warned Stoltenberg.
– We have also seen increased activity from Chinese intelligence in Europe. They use satellites, cyber, and as we’ve seen across the US, also balling. So we just have to be vigilant, said Stoltenberg.
FOH states that the Norwegian Armed Forces continuously monitor Norwegian airspace and adjacent areas.
– If an unknown aircraft approaches our airspace, the Norwegian Armed Forces move out with two F-35s from Evenes air station. The fighter planes find the unknown planes, and identify and document them. The F-35 will also prevent aircraft from illegally entering Norwegian airspace, writes Jonny Karlsen in an email.
