Surface-to-air missile systems have been deployed at Mar-a-Lago and Donald J. Trump International Airport in Palm Beach County at the request of the U.S. Secret Service, according to federal officials. The systems are designed to defend against aerial threats, including aircraft and drones.
A Secret Service spokesperson said the agency is operating in a heightened threat environment and is using counter-unmanned aircraft capabilities provided by NORAD and U.S. Northern Command. NORAD and Northern Command confirmed the ground-based air defense assets were placed in and around Mar-a-Lago, but said security concerns prevent them from giving details on tactics or procedures.
Officials have not disclosed a specific reason for the deployment or publicly identified a particular threat.
Michael Leighton, an aviation expert and pilot, told WPBF that the move likely reflects concern about a credible threat, though he noted federal officials have not confirmed that. He said ground-based missiles can respond in seconds, while an F-16 intercept could take minutes. Leighton also said the systems, which are staffed at all times, are likely meant to deter attacks and that their visible placement serves that purpose.
The deployment comes as drones play a growing role in conflicts around the world, a concern Leighton said has raised questions about how adversaries could target protected sites.
