A Chinese spy balloon that entered US airspace in 2023 was packed with American-made technology, according to an intelligence assessment that directly contradicts the Biden administration’s efforts to minimize the threat it posed. Analysts say components from multiple US firms allowed the balloon to collect intelligence as it drifted over the country.

The classified military report found that at least five US companies, including Texas Instruments, Omega Engineering, Amphenol All Sensors Corporation, and onsemi, unknowingly supplied technology used in the surveillance operation. Swiss-based STMicroelectronics also contributed parts found in the balloon’s payload.

🚨The Chinese spy balloon that traveled over half of the U.S. in 2023 was packed with technology produced by at least five private American companies.⁰ 
It's troubling that our adversaries can purchase U.S. tech and use it to spy on the American people. https://t.co/zdvQyTGNpQ

— House Homeland GOP (@HomelandGOP) February 11, 2025

In addition to advanced sensors and imaging equipment, investigators discovered a satellite communication module that likely enabled the balloon to transmit data back to China. Even more alarming, sources revealed that empty storage compartments suggest the balloon may have been designed to carry and launch surveillance gliders.

Chinese spy balloon that traversed US airspace was packed with American tech: report https://t.co/dSRTQo4Tsg pic.twitter.com/Wk8DSZmeV7

— New York Post (@nypost) February 11, 2025

When the balloon was first detected, Biden dismissed it as a non-threat, later saying, “I don’t think the leadership knew where it was and knew what was in it.” However, experts familiar with China’s surveillance programs argue that such a claim is unlikely, especially given the sophistication of the equipment found.

The people who:

-Supported the FBI spying on parents at school board meetings

-Sent IRS agents to your door

-Praised illegal aliens crossing the border in record numbers

-Let a Chinese spy balloon fly across the country

Have a huge problem with DOGE.

Wonder why?

— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) February 11, 2025

Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized Biden’s slow response, saying that the balloon was gathering intelligence on military sites. “They are preparing for a military conflict,” McCaul warned, arguing that the US should have shot it down immediately instead of allowing it to collect sensitive data for days.

This revelation raises new concerns about how China was able to acquire advanced US technology for espionage purposes. Despite existing export controls, American-made components continue to be found in adversary surveillance programs, highlighting a major security vulnerability.