[alexander_busek]

Why are fighter jets scrambled in these circumstances? Are they going to shoot down the plane if they think it will crash into a residential area? I’ve never understood the purpose, if anyone knows.

The fighter jet pilots can attempt to peer into the cockpit of the commercial plane and determine visually what's going on (e.g., when there is no radio contact), they can signal to the commercial plane pilot, etc. In short, they can provide considerable assistance.

And they can also, if need be, shoot down the commercial airplane.

Regards,

[Elsie]

And they can also, if need be, shoot down the commercial airplane.

A Mini-Puff could put a couple of rounds into the perps indicated location.

It would have a smaller collateral damage impact than taking out the whole plane.

A few bullet sized holes in the aircraft will NOT make it explode from air pressure!