TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — North American Aerospace Defense Command F-15 aircraft responded to a potential Temporary Flight Restriction violation at approximately 7:30 a.m. over Phoenix on Wednesday.

Radar data picked up a track of interest that was not in communication with Air Traffic Control inside the restricted airspace. NORAD scrambled aircraft to investigate the area and ensure that there was no threat.

During the event, the F-15 aircraft flew at approximately 7,000 feet and may have been visible from the ground.

NORAD employs a layered defense network of radars, satellites, and fighter aircraft to identify aircraft and determine the appropriate response. The identification and monitoring of aircraft demonstrates how NORAD executes its aerospace warning and aerospace control missions for the United States and Canada.

Operation NOBLE EAGLE is the name given to all air sovereignty and air defense missions in North America. NORAD is a binational command focused on the defense of both the U.S. and Canada. The response to potential aerospace threats does not distinguish between the two nations, and draws on forces from both countries.

Editor’s note: The above was republished from a North American Aerospace Defense Command news release.