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NORAD Intercepts Aircraft in Bedminster TFR
NORAD scrambled fighters to intercept a civilian aircraft that entered the Bedminster TFR on September 13, 2025.
At 1:55 p.m. EDT on September 13, 2025, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) dispatched fighter jets after a civilian general aviation aircraft violated the Bedminster TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) over Bedminster, New Jersey. Controllers reported the plane was safely escorted out of the restricted zone after military pilots deployed flares to get the pilot’s attention.
What happened in the Bedminster TFR
The incident was one of four TFR incursions around Bedminster over the weekend. According to official accounts, two additional violations occurred Sunday morning. NORAD emphasized that flares were used as a visual warning and presented no known danger to people on the ground.
Military intercepts like this follow established air-defense procedures: identify, communicate, and, if necessary, visually signal a non-compliant aircraft. In this case, the sequence ended with the civilian pilot responding to the visual signals and leaving the restricted airspace without further incident.
- Key detail: the Bedminster TFR was breached on September 13, 2025 at 1:55 p.m. EDT, prompting a NORAD interception.
- There were four reported incursions in the area that weekend, with two additional incursions on Sunday morning.
- NORAD stated flares were used purely as a safety signal and posed no risk to people below.
Pilots operating in and around restricted airspace are reminded to check FAA NOTAMs (Notice to Air Missions) before departure. NOTAMs contain time-sensitive restrictions such as TFRs and are the primary source for last-minute airspace closures and special-use restrictions.
Local authorities and federal agencies continue to monitor the area. For general aviation pilots, the takeaway is clear: verify NOTAMs, file accurate flight plans, and maintain two-way communications when entering or near TFRs to avoid escalations that require military interception.
