Justin Trudeau said he “approved the decision to act” after the United States shot down “a high-flying object” over Alaska on Friday.
• Also read: “Soaring Vehicle” shot down over Alaska
“Today an object was shot down that violated US airspace. I have been informed of the case and have agreed to the decision to act. Our military and intelligence agencies will always work together, including through NORAD, to protect people,” the prime minister said on Twitter.
An object was shot down today that violated US airspace. I have been informed of the case and have agreed to the decision to act. Our military and intelligence agencies will always work together, including through the @NORADcommandto protect people.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 10, 2023
NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) is the threat detection system operated in the north of the continent by Canada and the United States.
Few details have emerged so far, but the US National Security spokesman said the object, which is the size of a “small car,” was flying at an altitude of 12,000 meters, or about the maximum altitude accepted for commercial aircraft.
The object represents “a threat to air traffic safety,” said spokesman John Kirby.
Spotted over Alaska Thursday night, it was destroyed Friday morning on orders from President Joe Biden, according to the president.
Last week, a Chinese balloon flying at a much higher altitude was shot down by the United States in the Atlantic after sweeping the country from west to east, particularly over classified military sites.