SWANTON, Ohio – Residents in Southern Ohio and around the Hillsboro area may notice fighter jets in the skies on Monday evening as the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing conducts an air defense exercise. The operation, scheduled between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on January 13, aims to test response and coordination procedures.
The exercise will involve fighter jets in close proximity to a Civil Air Patrol aircraft simulating a “Track of Interest” (TOI), an aircraft identified as a potential threat. While the event is planned for Monday evening, officials caution that flights could be delayed, relocated, or canceled due to adverse weather conditions.
In addition to the air defense exercise, the 180th Fighter Wing is set to conduct nighttime training flights from Monday, January 13, through Thursday, January 16. These flights will involve F-16 fighter jets taking off and landing at the Swanton base, with operations lasting until approximately 8:30 p.m., weather permitting.
While most training typically occurs during daylight hours, nighttime operations are essential for pilots and maintenance crews to maintain mission readiness. Some residents may notice the use of flares during these training exercises, which are standard in such operations.
