NORAD Deploys F-16 Fighter Jets Over Mar-a-Lago in Security Scare

Over the past 48 hours, NORAD has deployed F-16 fighter jets multiple times to intercept unauthorized aircraft that breached the restricted airspace surrounding President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

According to a press release from the Continental United States NORAD Region Office of Public Affairs, one such incident occurred on Sunday when NORAD ordered F-16s to intercept a “general aviation aircraft” that violated the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) at approximately 1:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

Officials confirmed that the aircraft was safely escorted out of the restricted zone by NORAD fighters.

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During the interception, NORAD jets deployed flares to gain the pilot’s attention.

The release explained that these flares are “dispensed with the highest regard for safety” and are designed to burn out quickly, posing no threat to the public.

For the 2nd time this weekend, @NORADCommand fighters intercepted an aircraft violating the Palm Beach TFR. Flares were deployed during the intercept. The FAA and NORAD urge pilots to check NOTAMs before EVERY flight. #aviation #TFR #PalmBeach pic.twitter.com/8FfnsEwHzc

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General Gregory Guillot, Commander of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, emphasized the importance of following airspace restrictions, particularly around areas protected by TFRs.

“NORAD and the FAA work closely together to keep the skies over America safe, with close attention paid to areas with Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR),’’ Guillot stated.

“Adherence to TFR procedures is essential to ensure flight safety, national security, and the security of the President.”

Guillot further noted that recent violations suggest that many civilian pilots are failing to read Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) before flights, as required by the FAA.

He warned that this negligence has led to multiple interceptions by NORAD aircraft in order to direct unauthorized planes out of restricted airspace.

“The procedures are not optional,” Guillot said.

“The excessive number of recent TFR violations indicates many civil aviators are not reading Notice to Airmen, or NOTAMs, before each flight as required by the FAA, and has resulted in multiple responses by NORAD fighter aircraft to guide offending aircraft out of the TFR.”

Pilots intercepted by NORAD aircraft are advised to immediately communicate on frequency 121.5 or 243.0 and reverse course until further instructions are provided.

Federal authorities maintain a permanent flight restriction over Mar-a-Lago, with the restricted zone expanding to a 30-nautical-mile radius whenever President Trump is in residence.

NORAD utilizes a multi-layered defense system consisting of radars, satellites, and fighter jets to monitor and respond to potential threats.

While violations of South Florida’s congested airspace are not uncommon, NORAD officials have increased their alert level due to the rising frequency of these incidents.

Since President Trump’s inauguration on January 20, NORAD has responded to over 20 airspace violations near Palm Beach, Florida, underscoring the ongoing need for strict enforcement of restricted airspace regulations.

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