Multiple Chinese companies in charge of manufacturing armaments are developing balloons and airships for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes.

Aviation Industry Corporation of China, which manufactures the Chinese military's main fighter jets, has developed a balloon that is shaped like an airship. The company says its balloon can stay in the air for up to 15 days.

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, which is responsible for space development, developed a lightweight balloon that can monitor an area with a radius of about 40 kilometers.

Chinese media say balloons are beneficial for military use, as they are economical and easy to maneuver. They can also stay in the air for a long time and fly at low altitudes where they cannot be easily detected by ground radar.