Air Defense Systems Deploy to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago

Surface-to-air missiles become the latest layer of aerial defense added near the president’s residence.

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 03:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The president’s residence is also shielded by a year-round, 24/7 temporary flight restriction. [Credit: Official White House photo by Daniel Torok]

Key Takeaways:

Surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems have been deployed near Mar-a-Lago, adding to existing aerial defenses like an anti-drone laser, at the U.S. Secret Service's request to deter aircraft.
These SAM systems, identified as Avenger short-range defense units, were observed on a barge and near Donald J. Trump International Airport, though their specific deployment reasons and duration are unclear.
The enhanced security follows over 60 aircraft intercepts near Mar-a-Lago and the enforcement of a temporary flight restriction (TFR) that has faced challenges from local communities.
The FAA is also proposing to replace the current TFR with a permanent Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) around Mar-a-Lago, a plan that has received public comments and local concerns regarding its impact.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems are the latest layer of aerial defense added to deter aircraft from overflying President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Florida.

WPTV-TV in West Palm Beach was first to report the SAM system’s deployment in the area on Friday. The local news outlet received a statement from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), which said that the U.S. Secret Service requested the protections near Mar-a-Lago.