Watch German Typhoons Intercept A Boeing 777 That Lost Contact With The Airport

Just goes to show after 9/11 they can't take any chances. But it would have been more interesting to see the video of the actual typhoons scrambling from the German Airfield. I just thought it was rare news from Google I figured it still interesting. I guess if we're used to watching Expendables and James Bond were so used to action.

I generally don't read comments, but your comment aroused my curiosity. Definitely worth it!

PO1 John Crafton - It's just baffling to me how people can actually believe such inane crap. I mean I seriously, at a fundamental level, cannot understand it. We're not talking subjective policies or politics, religion, or opinions. It's flat-out, hardcore SCIENCE. SMDH.

Agreed. People give Bush crap for, alternatively, ordering intercepts of aircraft that might have had 100's of civilians aboard, or for not ordering it fast enough. That's sort of a no-brainer for me, and I imagine, anyone with a sense of logic. You MIGHT kill 200, you WILL kill more than that if their intent is nefarious. I wouldn't even lose sleep over that decision.

SN Greg Wright - This is one of the most difficult decisions a military leader would have to make. At what point is it clear the jetliner is headed for someplace other than an airport? When is it necessary to shoot down the jetliner to avoid greater loss of life on the ground? I expect the General Officer on watch at North American Aerospace Defense Command would contact a senior civilian political leader before giving the shoot-down order if time permitted. The fighter pilots are expected to carry out the orders without question. Putting the air-to-air missiles into a jetliner carrying over 200 people would stay with me for the rest of my life.

In this case, the jetliner was in German airspace. The Germans have a well trained and equipped Air Force. I'm sure the fighter pilots were in contact with military command and control agencies. Hopefully, the Germans have a senior officer on watch who is authorized to give THE order.