Please, somebody explain us this standard reaction to bing threats. How can fighter jets help in any way? Would they scare the bomber on the plane or something?
To gain visuals on the situation. The pilot of the fighter jet can confirm if terrorists made it to the cockpit. They can see what’s going on inside the plane and if anything seems off.
To act as a communication with people on the plane. The pilots, crew, and passengers have a visual confirmation that people are aware of their situation. In case of damages to radio, radar, or other malfunction the fighter jet can still relay information to the pilots and assist in finding a safe landing space.
To shoot down the plane. No one wants a second 9/11 and if terrorists managed to seize the cockpit and are on course to a highly populated area someone might make the call to shoot down the plane.
Please, somebody explain us this standard reaction to bing threats. How can fighter jets help in any way? Would they scare the bomber on the plane or something?
Few reasons:
To gain visuals on the situation. The pilot of the fighter jet can confirm if terrorists made it to the cockpit. They can see what’s going on inside the plane and if anything seems off.
To act as a communication with people on the plane. The pilots, crew, and passengers have a visual confirmation that people are aware of their situation. In case of damages to radio, radar, or other malfunction the fighter jet can still relay information to the pilots and assist in finding a safe landing space.
To shoot down the plane. No one wants a second 9/11 and if terrorists managed to seize the cockpit and are on course to a highly populated area someone might make the call to shoot down the plane.
Fair. I don’t want to be in fighter cockpit if order is to shoot it down.