February 2023 North American UAP Shootdowns
In an unprecedented three-day sequence from February 10 to 12, 2023, the U.S. military shot down three unidentified aerial objects over North America — the first such engagements in the 65-year history of NORAD. An object was downed over Alaska on February 10, another over Yukon, Canada on February 11, and a third over Lake Huron, Michigan on February 12. At a press conference that day, NORAD Commander General Glen VanHerck stated he would not characterize the objects as balloons and classified them as objects for specific reasons. When the New York Times asked about extraterrestrial origins, VanHerck replied he could not rule anything out at that moment. Senator Marco Rubio expressed concern that these were being treated as novel sightings when military personnel had reported hundreds of similar cases for years. On February 16, President Biden publicly addressed the incidents, confirming he had authorized the shootdowns while intelligence agencies continued their evaluation. Despite extensive search operations involving aircraft, ground sensors, and on-site inspections, no debris from any of the three objects was ever recovered. All photographic and video material was classified as secret. The wave marked a historic turning point: for the first time, a U.S. president personally explained to the public why he ordered the destruction of unknown aerial objects.
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Background
In early February 2023, the United States and Canada shot down four airborne objects over North American airspace in rapid succession. The incidents drew unprecedented public attention to UAP issues, prompting congressional hearings and revised military protocols.
The Incident
The first object, a confirmed Chinese surveillance balloon, was downed by an F-22 Raptor on February 4 off the coast of South Carolina.
Three additional objects were shot down between February 10-12:
- One over Alaska (cylindrical, silver-gray)
- One over the Yukon Territory in Canada (also cylindrical)
- One over Lake Huron (octagonal with strings)
Investigation
The three latter objects were never publicly identified or recovered.
NORAD Commander General Glen VanHerck stated he had not ruled out extraterrestrial origins.
Significance
The events led to heightened focus on aerial surveillance and UAP concerns.