In a bold move authorized by President Joe Biden, a US fighter jet brought down an unidentified object the size of a compact car as it flew at an altitude of 40,000 feet off the northern coast of Alaska. The object was carrying unknown payloads, according to official reports.
Highlights
The Pentagon reported the detection of an unidentified flying object (UFO) on Thursday through its ground radars. In response, F-35 aircraft were dispatched to carry out an investigation. The UFO was flying at an altitude of approximately 40,000 feet in a northeasterly direction, posing a potential danger to civilian aviation.
In the aftermath of the shootdown of a Chinese balloon by the U.S. military, the White House announced that President Joe Biden had ordered the shooting down of an unidentified object flying over Alaska. It was taken down by a U.S. F-22 fighter jet.
The U.S. military brought down a Chinese balloon off the coast of South Carolina after it traveled across the United States and parts of Canada for a week. The U.S. government referred to it as a Chinese surveillance balloon, while China’s government claimed it was a civilian research vessel.
The president faced criticism from some lawmakers for not shooting down the Chinese balloon earlier. The U.S. military had advised waiting until it was over the ocean due to concerns about falling debris causing injury.
The latest craft, about the size of a small car, was downed by a Sidewinder missile, according to U.S. Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson. The ownership and origin of it remain unknown, as stated by White House spokesperson John Kirby.
The Pentagon and the White House declined to give a detailed description of the latest object, stating only that it was far smaller than the Chinese balloon. Despite a day of observation, U.S. officials declined to speculate about what it might be, raising questions about its identity.
Object Poses Risk to Civilian Air Traffic
The unidentified object was first detected on Thursday using ground radars and was later investigated by F-35 aircraft. It was flying at about 40,000 feet in a northeasterly direction and posed a risk to civilian air traffic. It was then shot down in the frozen territorial waters off the coast of northeastern Alaska, near the Canadian border.
Object Confirmed as Unmanned
According to Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon’s Chief Spokesperson, American pilots who flew alongside the object before it was shot down determined that there were no humans on board. The object was also reported to be incapable of maneuvering, and its appearance did not resemble that of an airplane.
The F-22 then shot it down at 1:45 p.m. EST.
Biden’s Authorization Necessary
Asked why Biden’s authorization was necessary, the U.S. military stated that the commander overseeing North American airspace had the authority to shoot down any aircraft that posed a military risk or a risk to the American people. In this situation, it was established that the unidentified object posed a credible risk to air traffic and civil aviation.
Retrieval of Debris Made Easier
Retrieval of the object’s pieces will be much simpler in comparison to the Chinese balloon, as they are expected to be found on the frozen ice rather than sunk in the ocean, according to officials.
Reactions to Shootdown
The lawmakers commended the president for his swift decision to take out the object, which was deemed a threat to American citizens and air traffic. During a Senate hearing, lawmakers criticized the Pentagon for not shooting down the Chinese balloon earlier, highlighting persistent concern in Congress about gaps in the U.S.’s ability to safeguard its airspace.
The recent downing of an UFO by the U.S military has sparked intense debate and speculation among government officials and the public. While the UFO’s origin and purpose remain unclear, the U.S. government has stated that it posed a risk to civilian air traffic. As the investigation into this incident continues, it will be important to gather more information and determine the best course of action to ensure the safety and security of the nation.