Air defense systems deployed at Mar-a-Lago

Surface-to-air defense systems have been deployed at Mar-a-Lago and Donald J. Trump International Airport at the Secret Service’s request. NORAD and U.S. Northern Command confirmed deploying ground-based air defenses around Mar-a-Lago.

The Secret Service cited a heightened threat environment and said the military is providing capabilities to counter unmanned aircraft. Officials have not publicly identified a specific threat or disclosed operational details.

Aviation expert Michael Leighton suggested a credible threat prompted deployment, but officials have not confirmed his assessment. He said ground-based missiles could respond faster than fighter aircraft and that their visible presence could also serve as a deterrent.