Government2023

Biden orders sharper rules for tracking unidentified aerial objects

When: 16 Feb 2023
Where: Washington, D.C.
Sources: 2 public sources

An F-22 launches during the February 2023 balloon shootdowns that prompted the new tracking rules U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chloe Shanes, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

After U.S. jets downed three objects over Alaska, Canada and Lake Huron, President Biden said they were most likely private or research balloons. He ordered an inventory of airborne objects, better detection and new classified rules on when to shoot.

Sources

OfficialRemarks by President Biden on the United States' Response to Recent Aerial Objects (opens in a new tab)The White House (Biden White House archive) / 2023-02-16
OfficialRemarks on the United States Response to Unidentified Aerial Objects in North American Airspace (DCPD-202300116) (opens in a new tab)U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo) / 2023-02-16

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Where it fits

Earlier in GovernmentMoldova briefly closes its airspace over a balloon-like object14 Feb 2023 Later in GovernmentJapan's ruling parties ease rules for downing intruding balloons16 Feb 2023

See it on the timeline More in Government