Meet the RC135 Rivet Joint, specializing in electronic warfare and surveillance, importantly, it is capable of advanced ELINT and COMINT intercept operations against targets. We were using this plane, refueled multiple times, to track the #ChineseSpyBalloon. This means that in all likelihood every piece of data going in and out of the balloon was monitored, or blocked, by electronic warfare officers on this thing. Additionally, they may have even selectively allowed data through, misleading any Chinese intel efforts. Fuel tankers have been taking off ever since we first saw the dang thing, so we know that one of our 2 RC135s has been tracking it, and in addition to the RC135, F22 has been involved in following it. F22 also carries a sophisticated electric warfare suite. This balloon probably posed no strategic threat to the U.S. The only thing it has accomplished is showing more weaknesses and divisions within our country that can and will be exploited by foreign Psy-ops in the ongoing information war.