US fighter jets deploy flares to chase suspicious plane away from Trump golf club
US fighter jets were scrambled on Sunday to intercept a civilian aircraft that had violated restricted airspace over US President Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, marking the fifth unauthorized incursion into the area over the weekend, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
The incident occurred at around 12:50pm local time, when the general aviation aircraft entered a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) zone established due to Trump’s presence in the area. NORAD deployed military jets to escort the plane, using flares to alert the pilot and ensure its safe removal from the zone.
“The flares – which may have been visible to the public – are employed with the highest regard for the safety of the intercepted aircraft and people on the ground,” NORAD said in a statement on Sunday. “This intercept was preceded by one separate TFR violation earlier in the day, bringing the total to five unauthorized incursions over the course of the weekend.”
The command noted that the flares are designed to burn out quickly and pose no danger to people on the ground. The aircraft was safely escorted out of the area without further incident.
NORAD issued a renewed warning to general aviation pilots to check all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) before departure. “Adhering to FAA restricted airspace protocols is mandatory, regardless of geographical region, airframe, or aircrew,” the statement added.
NORAD operates a layered air defense network of radars, satellites, and fighter jets across North America to detect and respond to unauthorized aircraft incursions.
Sunday’s flare deployment follows a similar incident last month, when an F-16 fighter jet intercepted a civilian plane over Bedminster and performed a standard “headbutt” maneuver to redirect the aircraft. That day also saw five separate TFR violations.
Trump has frequently stayed at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster since returning to the White House in January. Temporary flight restrictions are routinely activated in the area during his visits, and any violations may lead to fines, interrogation, or the suspension of pilot licenses.
