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F-18 Air Traffic Controller Conversation

FA-18 Fighter aircraft cost: $32 million
U.S. Marine pilot attitude: priceless…


In addition to communicating with the local Air Traffic Control facility, all
aircraft in the Persian Gulf AOR are required to give the Iranian Air Defense
Radar (military) a ten minute 'heads up' if they will be transiting Iranian
airspace.

The following conversation was heard on the VHF Guard (emergency) frequency 121.5 MHz.


Iranian Air Defense Radar: 'Unknown aircraft you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.'

Aircraft: 'This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.'

Air Defense Radar: 'You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!'

Aircraft: 'This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up, I'll wait.'

Air Defense Radar: (total silence)