The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is advising residents that they will be conducting an overnight routine air defense exercise this week.
The flyovers will take place between midnight and 2:30 a.m. early Tuesday morning.
“The North American Aerospace Defense Command Continental U.S. Region will conduct Falcon Virgo, a routine live-fly air defense exercise on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, between midnight and 2:30 a.m. EST in the National Capital Region,” reads a press release.
“Aircraft participating in Falcon Virgo include U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets, U.S. Coast Guard MH 65D Dolphin helicopter, U.S. Navy King Air aircraft, and Civil Air Patrol Cessna 1827 general aviation aircraft. Some portions of the exercise could involve flights at approximately 2,500 feet and may be visible from the ground. If weather prevents regularly scheduled flights, the exercise will commence the next day.
“NORAD routinely conducts exercises with various scenarios, including airspace restriction violations, hijackings, and responses to unknown aircraft. All NORAD exercises are carefully planned and closely controlled.
“Falcon Virgo is a routine exercise in support of Operation Noble Eagle. ONE is the assigned mission to NORAD to conduct aerospace warning and control for North America.
“The defense of North America is NORAD’s top priority, and NORAD remains on alert around the clock, every day,” said Lt. Gen. Kirk Pierce, CONR commander. “It is an honor to serve our citizens.”
Photo Courtesy of CANR Public Affairs
NORAD's Continental U.S. Region is scheduled to conduct Falcon Virgo, a routine air defense exercise, midnight to 2:30 a.m. (EST) Jan. 11 in the Washington, D.C., area. This is a recurring exercise in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE. pic.twitter.com/LGpSqfLTXl
— 1st AF/America's AOC (@1stAF) January 9, 2022