Statement on High Altitude Surveillance Balloon

February 2, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

A high-altitude surveillance balloon was detected and its movements are being actively tracked by NORAD.

Canadians are safe and Canada is taking steps to ensure the security of its airspace, including the monitoring of a potential second incident.

NORAD, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence, and other partners have been assessing the situation and working in close coordination.

Canada’s intelligence agencies are working with American partners and continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard Canada’s sensitive information from foreign intelligence threats.

We remain in frequent contact with our American allies as the situation develops.