Multiple F-35s shot down in 3-hour dogfight with Chinese balloon

The Air Force is said to be 'encouraged' by the outcome

By Cat Astronaut

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — In a failed mission to stop a Chinese balloon from infiltrating American airspace, sources say at least seven U.S. F-35 fighter aircraft were shot down by the object in a harrowing 3-hour dogfight this weekend.

“The balloon was too fast, too maneuverable, too heavily armed. Our F-35s didn’t stand a chance,” Air Force …