A newly released intelligence report has confirmed that the Chinese spy balloon that drifted across the United States in 2023 was built using American-made technology, exposing potential weaknesses in export controls meant to keep sensitive equipment out of foreign hands.
Analysis of the balloon’s wreckage identified components from at least five US-based companies. Among them were Texas Instruments, Omega Engineering, Amphenol All Sensors Corporation, and onsemi. Swiss-based STMicroelectronics was also found to have contributed parts to the surveillance system.
🚨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
Investigators determined that the balloon’s satellite communication module allowed it to send intelligence back to China. Additionally, empty storage compartments within the balloon suggest it may have been designed to deploy smaller devices for expanded surveillance capabilities.
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 its technology was part of the balloon’s communication system. A company spokesman said their equipment is widely available and does not require an export license unless sold to restricted entities.
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
Biden initially dismissed concerns about the balloon, claiming the incident was “more embarrassing than intentional.” However, lawmakers, including Rep. Michael McCaul, argued that the balloon was part of China’s larger effort to spy on US military infrastructure.
The discovery of US technology in the balloon has fueled concerns that American companies may be unknowingly supplying China with equipment for espionage. Officials are now reviewing export policies to determine how Beijing was able to acquire these components.
