The Department of Defense has stated that the increasing number of drones being reported in places like New Jersey and New York are not U.S. military assets, with the majority likely being used by hobbyists. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder noted that there are over a million drones registered in the U.S., and many are used for recreational purposes or commercial applications such as architecture or law enforcement. While malicious drone activity is a possibility, it is not the norm. Drones flying near military installations are taken seriously, but it is not a new occurrence given the volume of drone flights in the U.S. On any given day, there could be around 8,500 drones in flight.
Ryder addressed questions from reporters about the possibility of drones in New Jersey being part of a corridor created for testing drones and unmanned systems. He confirmed that the drones were not U.S. military assets and were not part of any military or experimental operations. Since November, possible drone sightings have been reported in various locations across New Jersey, including military facilities like the Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle. The DoD is working to ensure that military installations have the ability to detect, identify, and track objects in their airspace.
Unmanned systems are a part of modern warfare and are here to stay, according to Ryder. The DoD is focused on protecting its forces from a national security standpoint. To enhance detection capabilities of military installations like Picatinny and Earle, the DoD is implementing active or passive detection capabilities, as well as systems like Drone Busters which can disrupt drone signals. Ryder also addressed rumors of accompanying large, rectangular, black monoliths during the drone sightings, humorously referencing science fiction classics like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Star Wars: A New Hope.”
Despite the ongoing drone sightings in New Jersey and other locations, the Pentagon still has no answers about the origins of these mysterious drones. The DoD is taking the necessary steps to ensure that its military installations have the capability to detect, identify, and track drones appropriately. These efforts aim to protect military personnel and national security interests. In light of the increasing number of drone incidents, the government has been pushing for more counter-drone powers to address the potential risks posed by these unmanned aircraft. Current authorities related to counter-drone measures are set to expire, prompting a need for enhanced capabilities and regulations in this area.
As the phenomenon of drone sightings continues across the Northeast, it is clear that the DoD is prioritizing the safety and security of its military installations and personnel. While the majority of drones in the U.S. are used for recreational or commercial purposes, the potential for malicious drone activity remains a concern. By implementing enhanced detection and tracking capabilities, such as Drone Busters, the DoD aims to mitigate the risks associated with unauthorized drone flights near sensitive areas. As the use of drones becomes more prevalent, it is crucial for defense agencies to stay vigilant and proactive in protecting national security interests.
