Statement on the Defence Force training flight near Paleto Bay

The military aircraft seen over Paleto Bay on Tuesday 29 September 2026 belongs to the Coral Island Defence Force. It was on a planned, routine training flight along the San Andreas coast, including Paleto Bay.

What the flight was for

Defence Force aircrew train regularly to keep their skills current. This flight exercised aircrew proficiency, navigation and readiness to respond to emergencies. That includes being ready to support civil authorities in the region in an emergency, if they ask for help.

It was a training flight only. It was not an operational mission. No weapons were used or fired. At no time was there a threat to the public.

Authorisation

The flight was authorised. It was notified in advance to the relevant San Andreas authorities through established channels.

The Government does not publish the details of its communications with other governments. It does not identify Defence Force aircrew.

Paleto Bay

The flight was not directed at Paleto Bay or at anyone there.

The Government understands that the sight of a military aircraft over a town sheltering thousands of evacuees caused concern, and it regrets that concern. The people of Paleto Bay, and those who have come there from Los Santos, have been through a great deal since the earthquake on Friday 25 September.

What will change

People should know in advance when Defence Force aircraft will train near where they live.

From today the Ministry of Border Security and Defence will publish advance notice of Defence Force training flights near populated areas outside Coral Island on the Government noticeboard. Each notice will give the date and the general area of the flight.

Training routes will keep clear of built-up areas wherever possible.

Questions

The press and the public can send questions about the flight to the Government Information Service through the media contacts page.