Why did the US spend over $2M on Missiles to shoot down FOUR BALOONS?

[Hkindiana]

As the title says, why did the US spend over $2 MILLION dollars on the five missiles (one missed) used to shoot down the four balloons, when .50 caliber or 20mm would have brought them down just as easily? From Newsweek:

U.S.

'Sidewinder' Missile Biden Used Over Lake Huron Cost Over $450K each​

 

[KellyinAvon]

Being discussed here

Back with the right link in a minute

 

[edwea]

A few words come to mind...
Posturing
Over compensating
Theater
Wanton waste of resources

 

[KellyinAvon]

Pentagon Tracking Suspected Chinese Spy Balloon Over the US

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