The US Army is preparing to deploy hundreds of high-altitude balloons if a military conflict erupts in Europe. The operation could eventually involve thousands of airborne platforms moving eastward, according to Brigadier General Stephen Carpenter, whose remarks were reported by The War Zone.

The balloons would carry out a range of military missions rather than simply act as decoys. Alongside misleading enemy forces, they could relay communications, conduct electronic detection and serve as airborne platforms for launching strikes. These capabilities would allow the US military to employ the systems for both support operations and offensive purposes.

The American plans come as NATO continues to expand its military presence near Russia’s western borders. Moscow has repeatedly described the alliance’s activity in the region as unprecedented. NATO, for its part, presents its growing military initiatives as measures intended to deter what it considers Russian aggression.

Russian authorities have consistently raised concerns about the buildup of NATO forces across Europe. The Kremlin maintains that Russia poses no threat to other countries but has made clear that it will not ignore actions that could jeopardize its national interests.