The following statement was made today regarding the unidentified item shot down this morning over Alaskan seas by Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy.
“Today’s Pentagon revelation that an unidentified flying object was shot down by an F-22 from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson above the coastline of Alaska presents significant national security issues that should worry every American, according to the Pentagon. I want to congratulate the military in Alaska for taking out the possible threat before it could fly over our territory.
The White House’s choice to refrain from shooting down a Chinese spy balloon last week while it was over the Aleutian Chain and preventing it from flying over crucial military sites in the Lower-48 raises major doubts in light of this most recent infringement on our airspace.
Alaska, in contrast to other states, is actually at the front lines. There is very little room for error because of how close we are to our neighbours. Only a few miles separate us from Russian land. We are the only state that borders both China and the Korean Peninsula. Alaska is actually in the thick of things.
In order to protect Alaska’s and the United States’ territorial integrity, decisions must be made fast. This incident provides more proof of Alaska’s strong military capabilities. A crucial conversation on enhancing those capabilities, particularly icebreakers and Army, Air Force, and Navy capabilities, should follow.
We need to be ready because, if the past few days are any indication, this might become the new standard. In order to provide any necessary assistance, the Alaska National Guard is coordinating closely with USNORTHCOM and other organisations.
This most recent incident shows Alaska is still the most strategically important location on earth for both geopolitics and national security.
