UK Begins Development of High-Altitude Surveillance Balloons

The British Ministry of Defense has announced the development of high-altitude unmanned surveillance balloons designed to support national security and enhance military reconnaissance capabilities.

According to an official statement published on the Ministry’s website, the new program focuses on creating drone-guided balloons capable of conducting surveillance, monitoring, and enemy force detection missions as part of the government’s broader defense transformation agenda.

The balloons were tested earlier this year in South Dakota, United States. During the trials, the aircraft demonstrated an impressive range of over 2,000 nautical miles while flying at altitudes between 18,000 and over 24,000 meters. The Ministry confirmed that the tested models can carry payloads of up to three kilograms and remain operational for more than five consecutive days.

This innovative project is being developed through a partnership between UK-based defence firms Volant Autonomy and Landguard Systems, with additional technical collaboration from the US company Aerostar.