NBC4 WCMH-TV

Why fighter jets may be flying over Chillicothe and southeastern Ohio

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the Ohio National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing, flies over the 180FW during a training mission in Swanton, Ohio, Sept. 8, 2024. (Courtesy/Ohio National Guard)

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio (WCMH) – Residents in parts of southeastern Ohio could see or hear fighter jets flying over their homes Monday evening.

According to the 180th Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard, it will conduct an air defense exercise Monday, between 4 and 7 p.m. in and around the Chillicothe and Hillsboro areas.


Residents in Ross and Highland counties may hear or see fighter jets in close proximity to a Civil Air Patrol aircraft, which will be taking on the role of a Track of Interest – an aircraft that poses a potential threat.

The purpose of the exercise is to evaluate response and coordination procedures. Exercise flights are subject to relocation, delay or cancellation due to inclement weather.