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Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026

F-16 Intercepts Aircraft Near Mar-a-Lago Resort

F-16 Intercepts Aircraft Near Mar-a-Lago Resort

An F-16 fighter jet engaged a suspicious aircraft near Donald Trump's residence in Florida, utilizing a tactical maneuver.
On a recent day in Florida, an F-16 fighter jet performed an intercept of a small, unauthorized aircraft that had entered restricted airspace near Mar-a-Lago, the residence of former President Donald Trump.

This incident occurred shortly after the aircraft was detected by air traffic control for straying into the sensitive area, which is often under heightened security due to the presence of high-profile individuals.

The F-16 is a multirole fighter built by Lockheed Martin, widely utilized by the United States Air Force and allied nations.

In response to the unauthorized entry, the aircraft was scrambled to engage the potential threat.

Eyewitness reports suggest that the F-16 executed a significant maneuver referred to as a 'headbutt,' which is a method to force a target to land or alter its course without direct confrontation.

The pilot of the F-16 successfully intercepted the errant aircraft in a display of aerial precision, urging it to exit the restricted zone.

Such intercepts are standard protocol for security forces to maintain the safety of the airspace, particularly in areas with potential security risks.

This incident highlights the ongoing security measures surrounding Mar-a-Lago, which is frequently in the news due to Donald Trump's activities and affiliations.

The property has been the site of numerous gatherings and events since Trump’s presidency, necessitating enhanced security protocols.

There were no injuries reported, and the aircraft was later identified and safely directed out of the airspace.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Defense are conducting standard reviews related to unauthorized airspace breaches.
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