Blimps to Fly Over Aberdeen for 3 Years

A missile detection program is heading to Aberdeen Proving Ground in the next fiscal year and it will stick around for a three-year test, according to Alabama Media Group.

The program includes two blimps that conduct surveillance at 10,000 feet above sea level, looking for missiles and providing target information if threats are detected, AOL reports.

Called "JLENS," (short for Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System), the unit is designed to protect the United States from attacks by missiles, drones and rockets.

It is managed by the Redstone military installation outside Huntsville, AL.

Last month, Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger said that the U.S. Army would bring 100 soldiers to Aberdeen Proving Ground for the missile surveillance program by the fall.

JLENS will move in the next fiscal year, which begins in October, and remain in Aberdeen for a three-year test before the military determines next steps, according to the Alabama Media Group. The military reportedly selected Aberdeen for its FAA-restricted airspace and facilities.

See Also:

• Congressman: Missile Surveillance Program Coming to APG