US used AIM-9X Missile to shoot down Unidentified Object about the size of “small car” over Alaska

1. The United States deployed an F-22 fighter jet and used an AIM-9X missile to shoot down an unidentified object flying over Alaska, Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said on Friday.

"The aircraft that took down the object was an F-22 flying out of joint base Elmendorf in Alaska, and employed AIM- 9X to take down the object," Ryder said told a briefing.

Ryder added the decision to down the high-altitude object detected in the afternoon took in consideration a "reasonable" threat to civilian air traffic.

John Kirby would not say if the object was a balloon or what entity owned it. He said the object, about the size of a “small car,” was flying at 40,000 feet and posed a “reasonable threat” to civilian aircraft.

United States President Joe Biden gave the order to shoot down the object “out of an abundance of caution” and at the Pentagon’s recommendation, Kirby added.

2. US Closes Airspace In Northern Alaska, Defines It As National Defense Airspace
The US Federal Aviation Administration closed some airspace in northern Alaska and declared it "national defense airspace," a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) stated on Friday as the Pentagon was downing an unidentified object over the territory.

"Pursuant to 49 USC 40103(b)(3), the federal aviation administration (FAA) classifies the airspace defined in this NOTAM as 'ntl defense airspace'. pilots who do not adhere to the following proc may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by law enforcement," the notice said.

It also warned that the US government could "use deadly force" against any aircraft that are determined to pose a security threat.

The flight restrictions came as the US shot down a high-altitude object over Alaska on Friday afternoon, according to White House National Security spokesman John Kirby.
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3. US plans to retrieve the fragments of the aircraft, which was much smaller than the Chinese balloon downed earlier. The official noted that the aircraft did not appear able to maneuver and was most likely unmanned. The US currently does not know which country the aircraft belonged to yet, he noted.