2023 Alaska high-altitude object
The location of Deadhorse, where the object was shot down off the coast. | |
| Date | February 10, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Location | Beaufort Sea |
| Type | Airspace violator |
| Outcome | Shot down by a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor |
On February 10, 2023, the United States Air Force shot down a high-altitude object that had entered U.S. airspace over Alaska a day before. The object was shot down onto the Beaufort Sea. The Department of Defense said it was the size of a small car and flying northeast at approximately 40,000 feet (12,000 m), posing a risk to civilian flight. On February 16, 2023, US President Joe Biden stated that the downed object was probably a civilian-owned balloon and "most likely tied to private companies, recreation or research institutions".
An attempt was made to recover the debris, which landed in the sea. However, on February 18, 2023, it was reported that the search had been abandoned.