LOS ANGELES, August 25, 2026-The U.S. Army has carried out a series of tests in Poland involving high-altitude balloons that are meant to transport intelligence, surveillance and communication equipment at stratospheric heights as part of efforts to introduce low-cost and persistent platforms into the battle network. The tests conducted during Exercise Cold Raptor assigned to Multi-domain Command-Europe involved the launch, flight control, monitoring and recovery of micro high-altitude balloons flying in the 60,000 to 70,000 foot (18,300 to 21,400 meter) level range.
The balloons were launched from Powidz Military Air Base in western Poland and flew north before landing near the Baltic Sea coast, close to the town of Ustka, about 305 kilometers from the launch base. The platform was carrying an experimental payload during the flights that was meant to enhance communications reach and domain awareness, according to Army officials. The tests also involved coordination with aviation services as well as organizations from other nations since flying such platforms in Europe involves flight clearances through several national airspace jurisdictions.
Capabilities and payloads
According to Army officers, micro high-altitude balloons are able to transport intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors, communications gear and electronic warfare payload, including navigation warfare systems. After inflation, the balloons achieve an altitude of around 10 meters and are capable of carrying payload weights from 9 to 20 kilograms. The balloons provide a cheap solution in comparison with manned flights and satellites.
Deployment of the balloons in the stratosphere offers good visibility as well as a prolonged flight period, which are seen by the Army as very important for persistent sensing and signal transmission in NATO’s eastern front. According to U.S. Army Europe and Africa, the use of the balloons will complement the already available air and space assets and not replace them. The results achieved in Poland will be analyzed by Army offices under the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for acquisition and development of new equipment.
“The Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative operationalizes all-domain deterrence for NATO through a data-enabled posture that harnesses the changes in the character of war,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven P. Carpenter, Commanding General of Multi-Domain Command – Europe. “Experimentation with emerging technologies allows us to better understand the operational environment.”
Broader experimentation and policy context
The Cold Raptor test flights are part of ongoing U.S. and allied efforts to exploit stratospheric platforms in recent times. Last month, the Army undertook high-altitude balloon tests in the Baltic region by flying the balloons from Sweden and retrieving them in Latvia after some time spent in the sky. Stratospheric balloons are also being acquired by European nations such as Poland and Finland, where Finnish company Kelluu received a contract worth €15 million to implement aerial intelligence networks in Europe.
The tests are taking place as U.S. defense planners look towards the stratosphere as an upcoming operational environment. The FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act Report by the Senate Armed Services Committee mentions the use of stratospheric platforms, as the stratosphere offers opportunities for cheaper alternatives for persistent access and communications relay and position, navigation, and timing services than satellites. Companies are also working on other systems that include stratospheric solar-powered unmanned aircraft and mother ship balloons carrying drones.
Implications for multi-domain operations
Army officials believe that the tests belong to a bigger plan to bolster the deterrence and readiness of NATO in the eastern flank of the alliance and test ways to employ stratospheric platforms for future multi-domain operations. Through experimenting with procedures for launching, controlling and recovery of the balloon, the Army is gaining experience in incorporating them into the current command and control structures and air traffic management procedures.
According to defense analysts at the RAND Corporation, stratospheric assets serve as a crucial “middle layer” in modern warfare—bridging the gap between vulnerable low-Earth orbit satellites and costly tactical aircraft to guarantee uninterrupted real-time target data across contested operational zones.
It should be noted that the Army believes that the Cold Raptor tests are just experiments, and whether or not they will decide to integrate new balloon-based assets will depend on the analysis of data collected during the tests. Currently, the Army wants to understand how persistent and cheap stratospheric platforms can help improve operational awareness and provide communication and options for intelligence and electronic warfare.
