It's not that NORAD is surprised, because we monitor the evolution of systems that could potentially pose a threat or could be of concern to both governments and military operatives, but in this case, it is once these systems approach North America that we start the standard process of the detection, tracking and ID. I would not say we're not concerned or we have no interest; we monitor the evolution of systems—not only high-altitude surveillance balloons, but also other capabilities that may be in the air or space domain, and, for that matter, in the maritime domain as well, Mr. Chair.
On February 17th, 2023. See this statement in context.