NORAD F-16 jets scrambled over Washington DC – ‘sonic boom heard’ | World | News
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said its F-16 fighter jets were taken off after a general aviation aircraft “violated the FAA’s restricted airspace” over Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.
“F-16 fighter jets from NORAD Region in the Continental United States safely intercepted a general aviation aircraft violating FAA restricted airspace over the United States National Capital Region and guided it away from the area without further incident,” NORAD said. he said.
Their message also said, “Pilots are reminded to check all FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) and FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), including the National Capital Region and Mar-a-Lago areas.” The statement was included.
The DC area is protected by controlled airspace zones known in the country as Special Flight Rules Areas. Pilots must follow strict procedures and maintain constant communication with air traffic control.
“NORAD uses a layered defense network of radars, satellites and warplanes to identify and respond to potential threats,” the Defense Visual Information Distribution Center (DVID) said.
“Identification and tracking of civilian aircraft demonstrates how NORAD conducts aviation warning and control missions for the United States and Canada,” a message on their website said.
According to DVID, “the civilian aircraft entered the Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) at approximately 11:15 EDT. CONR fighters intercepted the aircraft and ensured that it remained clear of restricted airspace without further incident.”
In March, NORAD also detected and tracked two Russian TU-142 military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In a press release issued at the time, NORAD said it launched two U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter jets, two F-22 fighter jets, four KC-135 tankers, one E-3 AWACS, two Canadian CF-18 fighter jets and a CC-150 tanker to positively identify, track and intercept Russian aircraft in the Alaska ADIZ.
NORAD also added that Russian aircraft remain in international airspace and do not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace, and that activity in the Alaska ADIZ occurs regularly and is not considered a threat.
