United States tests micro‑high‑altitude balloons over Poland

The U.S. Army will conduct flight tests of micro‑high‑altitude balloons (Micro‑HAB) over Polish territory between late July and early August. The experimental program aims to evaluate new capabilities for surveillance, communications and sensor integration as part of the Army’s multi‑domain operations modernization.

The flights are being carried out in coordination with Poland’s air‑space authorities and will follow existing aviation regulations. Polish officials have warned the public not to touch any devices that might fall and to report them to authorities. Micro‑HABs operate at 12‑50 km altitude, offering a low‑cost, rapidly deployable alternative to satellites for testing technologies in real‑world conditions.