NORAD F-16 jets scrambled over Washington DC – 'sonic boom heard'

F-16 fighter jets were scrambled on Tuesday after a general aviation aircraft “violated FAA restricted airspace”, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said.

NORAD said their “F-16 fighter aircraft from the Continental U.S. NORAD Region safely intercepted a general aviation aircraft that violated FAA restricted airspace over the United States National Capital Region, and escorted it clear of the area without further incident.”

“Pilots are reminded to check all FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) and FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), including in the National Capital Region and Mar-a-Lago regions,” their message also said.

The DC region is protected by a controlled airspace zones in the country, known as the Special Flight Rules Area. Pilots need to follow strict procedures and maintain constant communication with air traffic control.

The Defense Visual Information Distribution Centre (DVID) said “NORAD employs a layered defense network of radars, satellites, and fighter aircraft to identify and respond to potential threats”.

“The identification and monitoring of the civilian aircraft demonstrate how NORAD executes its aerospace warning and control missions for the United States and Canada,” a message on their website also said.