Spy balloons played an amazing role in military history. Spy balloons are still in use today. Even as modernity entered the military era, the importance of the spy balloon did not diminish. Air balloons have been used in China for a long time. During the Han Dynasty, these balloons were used to send intelligence signals to battlefields.
At that time, as the importance of the fire balloon increased, its use in the Chinese military began to increase. The Mongol army also became accustomed to using spy balloons.
In World War II, the armies of Germany, Japan, Britain, and the Soviet Union greatly increased the use of spy balloons. At that time, balloons could fly above a thousand feet.
Bombs were placed in balloons and sent to the enemy’s border. At that time, the effectiveness of the balloon also increased. Moreover, more effective balloons were also used during the Cold War.
Research on spy balloons was conducted during the Cold War under the names ‘Project Mogul’ and ‘Project Genetics’. Hydrogen balloons were widely used during World War I. Balloons were also used for bombing.
Spy balloons were used not only for the bombing but also for locating the enemy at various locations, monitoring their activities and movements. During World War I, spy balloons could fly at altitudes of 1,200 to 1,800 meters.
Then the use of spy balloon technology increased. Balloons grew in size and engines began to be used. As a result, it would be convenient to send heavy weapons.
During the French War in 1794, balloon observations were made. Spy balloons were instrumental in winning that war. Even Napoleon liked this idea a lot. History tells us that over time, the balloon’s effectiveness has been enhanced through the use of technology.