5/ During the weapons employment sequence the two objects near the flare remained almost stationary for around 15 seconds. The account then says that as the Combat Systems Officer initiated the firing sequence for the 105mm cannon, the objects rapidly departed the sensor field. So we can rule out Chinese lanterns, weather balloons and swamp gas.

For the debunkers and bunkers, here is a video of chinese lanterns filmed from a moving car. I find having a reference of commonly misidentified objects can help clear up and prevent more misidentifications.