❓WHAT HAPPENED: A NORAD fighter aircraft intercepted a general aviation aircraft violating restricted airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and a civilian pilot.
📍WHEN & WHERE: July 5, 2025, over Bedminster, New Jersey.
💬KEY QUOTE: “NORAD employs a layered defense network of radars, satellites, and fighter aircraft to identify and respond to potential threats.” – 2nd Lt. Tyler Turnmire.
🎯IMPACT: The incident highlights the importance of pilots verifying FAA Notices before flights to avoid restricted airspace violations.
A general aviation aircraft was intercepted by a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) fighter after it violated Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey. This event marked one of five unauthorized incursions into the restricted airspace on the day.
The civilian aircraft entered the restricted zone at about 2:39 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. To capture the pilot’s attention, NORAD aircraft executed a headbutt maneuver and safely escorted the aircraft out of the area.
General aviation pilots are urged to check all Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and remain informed before flights. Specific to Bedminster, New Jersey, pilots should be aware of FAA NOTAMs 1353, 1358, 2246, and 2247.
Pilots can find the most current information on the FAA’s website at https://tfr.faa.gov/.
NORAD’s use of a layered defense system, incorporating radars, satellites, and fighter aircraft, ensures the identification and response to possible threats.