A Chinese surveillance balloon that traveled across the US in 2023 contained components from multiple American companies, according to a classified intelligence report. The discovery has renewed concerns about how US technology is ending up in foreign espionage programs.
The analysis of the balloon’s remains identified at least five US-based manufacturers as suppliers of key components. Among them were Texas Instruments, Omega Engineering, Amphenol All Sensors Corporation, and onsemi. Additionally, Swiss-based STMicroelectronics was found to have contributed technology to the surveillance device.
🚨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
One of the most alarming discoveries was the presence of a satellite communication module capable of transmitting intelligence back to China in real time. Investigators also uncovered empty storage bays, suggesting the balloon may have been designed to deploy additional surveillance equipment.
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
American defense contractor Iridium confirmed that one of its communication modules was part of the balloon’s payload. A company spokesperson stated that its products are widely available for purchase and do not require an export license unless being sold to a restricted entity.
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
Despite the growing evidence of the balloon’s surveillance capabilities, Biden initially dismissed concerns, calling the incident “more embarrassing than intentional.” However, lawmakers, including Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, have warned that China is actively collecting intelligence on US military operations.
The revelation that American-made technology was used in a Chinese spy balloon has led to calls for stricter export controls. Lawmakers are now pushing for a thorough review of how these sensitive components ended up in the hands of a foreign adversary.
