Aviation

US fighter jet shoots down airborne object over Lake Huron

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In the most recent incident since a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon put North American security forces on high alert, US military fighter planes on Sunday shot down an octagonal object above Lake Huron, according to the Pentagon.

President Joe Biden instructed an F-16 to launch an AIM-9X missile just before 2:42 p.m. to shoot down an aerial target that was circling Lake Huron at a height of around 20,000 feet, according to the Defense Department (DOD). The path and altitude “raised concerns, particularly that it could constitute a hazard to civil aviation,” according to the DOD.

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It was the fourth aerial target that an American missile had shot down over North America in a little more than a week. The military has not been able to determine what the three most recent objects are, how they stay in the air, or where they are coming from, according to U.S. Air Force General Glen VanHerck, who is in charge of defending American airspace.

According to a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the item seemed to be octagonal in shape and had strings hanging off of it but no discernible payload. The position picked for this shootdown provided the potential to minimize impact with civilians on the ground while enhancing the probability of debris recovery, according to a Pentagon official.

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There are no signs that any civilians were injured or in any other way impacted, he said. After seeing the object on Sunday morning, North American Aerospace Defense Command kept a visual and radar track on it. “We can reasonably tie this object to the radar signal received up over Montana given its flight route and data, which travelled close to key DOD sites.”

Pilots from the US Air Force and the National Guard participated out the operation to bring the item down over Lake Huron, according to Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan on Sunday. Great effort was done by everyone involved in completing this mission, both in the air and at headquarters. We’re all curious as to what this device was and what it was used for, she wrote in a tweet.

The object has been downed by pilots from the US Air Force and National Guard. Great work by all who carried out this mission both in the air and back at headquarters. We’re all interested in exactly what this object was and it’s purpose. 1/ https://t.co/LsjwtjntCv
— Rep. Elissa Slotkin (@RepSlotkin) February 12, 2023

After the incident, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer claimed to have spoken with the federal government and twitted,

Our national security and safety is always a top priority. I’ve been in contact with the federal government and our partners who were tracking an object near our airspace. I’m glad to report it has been swiftly, safely, and securely taken down. The @MINationalGuard stands ready.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) February 12, 2023
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Aviation

Egypt has signed an agreement with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets

Egypt has become the second country, after Pakistan, to order China’s Chengdu J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets, marking a significant shift in its military strategy.

The announcement, made during the inaugural Egypt International Air Show from September 3 to 5 at El Alamein International Airport, reveals Egypt’s intent to replace its aging fleet of U.S. F-16s.

The J-10C, a highly capable 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet, was showcased by China for the first time on African soil during the air show. It features advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, making it a formidable alternative to Egypt’s current fleet.

Known for its air superiority missions, the J-10C has often been compared to the American F-16, which has been the backbone of the Egyptian Air Force since the 1980s.

However, with Egypt’s F-16s now considered outdated against modern air defense systems, the decision to transition to the Chinese fighters underscores a major upgrade in Egypt’s combat capabilities.

This move not only signals Egypt’s intent to reduce its reliance on U.S. defense systems but also reflects a broader shift in its international alliances.

Despite a long-standing defense relationship with the U.S., evidenced by a recent acquisition of C-130J Hercules transport aircraft through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, Egypt is clearly looking eastward.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over U.S. policies in the Middle East, including its stance on Israeli operations in Gaza, which may have influenced Cairo’s pivot to Chinese military technology.

China’s increasing presence in the Middle East and North Africa is bolstered by such deals, as Beijing continues to expand its influence through military cooperation and economic partnerships, particularly in energy imports.

The Egypt International Air Show provided a platform for showcasing this growing military-industrial relationship.