February 2023 shoot-downs (Alaska, Yukon, Lake Huron)

After re-tuning radars following the Chinese balloon, NORAD detected and shot down three small objects in three days: off Deadhorse, Alaska (Feb 10), over central Yukon (Feb 11) and over Lake Huron (Feb 12). The first AIM-9X fired at the Lake Huron object missed. Debris was never recovered.

Explanation

The White House said the three objects were most likely benign commercial or research balloons; none was recovered. An infrared video of the Lake Huron shoot-down was released in 2026 as DOW-UAP-PR071.

What was seen

Shape: Small octagonal / cylindrical objects at 20,000–40,000 ft
Witnesses: NORAD; F-22 and F-16 pilots
Duration: 3 days

Browse

• United States
• 2020s
• Unresolved
• Tracked object events
• Official government documents
• Pilot and aircrew witnesses
• Video footage
• Radar tracking
• Cylinders and cigar shapes

Similar cases

• Chinese surveillance balloon 28 January 2023
• AARO’s “Eglin UAP” — a lighting balloon 26 January 2023
• Lights over Seattle and Portland — a Falcon 9 stage re-entering 25 March 2021
• Fireball over the West — a Chinese rocket stage re-entering 27 July 2016