Mysterious Drones in US Airspace: What Authorities Know and What’s Still Unexplained

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ignited curiosity and concern across various parts of the United States, particularly in New Jersey and surrounding states. These incidents, which have persisted for nearly a month, have left many residents unsettled, with few answers from authorities. US officials have struggled to provide clarity, assuring the public that the objects do not pose a significant threat to either public safety or national security. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed on Sunday that the sightings involved both drones and manned aircraft, some of which were mistakenly identified as drones. However, he emphasised that there is no known foreign involvement regarding the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

While no immediate danger has been identified, frustration has been growing among lawmakers and residents who are demanding more transparency from the government. The lack of clear answers has only fuelled the mystery. So, what exactly do we know about these sightings?

The initial reports of drone activity began in mid-November, with New Jersey at the epicentre of the sightings. According to reports, the drones have been flying regularly in the skies above several areas, with a notable concentration around the Picatinny Arsenal, a high-security military facility in the state. Other sightings have been reported near Bedminster, New Jersey, home to President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has enforced temporary flight restrictions over these areas, prohibiting drone flights to ensure safety.

The mystery has extended beyond New Jersey, with several other states reporting similar drone activities. For instance, drones were seen flying over the Bronx in New York City on 12 December. Just the following day, Stewart Airfield in New York was temporarily shut down due to drone sightings, with Governor Kathy Hochul confirming the disruption. Connecticut has also confirmed “suspicious drone activity,” particularly near the towns of Groton and New London, and authorities have since deployed a drone detection system in the area. In Maryland, former Governor Larry Hogan mentioned spotting what appeared to be dozens of drones flying above his home in Davidsonville. Massachusetts also had its share of drone-related incidents, with two men arrested on 14 December for conducting a “hazardous drone operation” near Logan International Airport in Boston. Several sightings were also reported across eastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, with the phenomenon seemingly spreading.

This series of events is not exclusive to the United States. In late November, drones were observed near three US airbases in the UK, prompting suspicion from British defence sources, who considered the possibility of a “state actor” behind the incidents. Additionally, there have been reports of drones appearing over the Ramstein US military airbase in Germany as recently as early December.

Despite the growing number of reports, investigators have yet to provide a comprehensive explanation. In a recent call with reporters, officials from various US agencies stated that there is no evidence indicating any threat to public safety, with one FBI official suggesting that there had been “a slight overreaction” to the events. Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas added that while the government was actively investigating the matter, there was no confirmed foreign involvement linked to the sightings in the northeastern US. He assured that any new developments would be shared with the public in a timely manner.

But what exactly are these objects in the sky? In a briefing with the Department of Homeland Security, New Jersey assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia reported that the drones appeared to be highly elusive, often avoiding detection by conventional methods such as helicopters or radio. She described the drones as being up to 6 feet (1.8 metres) in diameter, flying with their lights turned off, and operating in a highly coordinated manner. Secretary Mayorkas suggested that the uptick in sightings might be linked to changes in federal law that now allow drones to operate at night. This, he speculated, might explain why drone activity is now more visible, especially from dawn to dusk.

One of the most puzzling aspects of these drone sightings is their origin. The identities of the operators remain unknown, and several theories have surfaced. New Jersey Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew speculated that the drones might be launched from an Iranian “mothership” in the Atlantic Ocean, while Illinois Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi suggested there was a “non-trivial” possibility that China could be involved. However, the Pentagon, the White House, and the Department of Homeland Security have all strongly denied any foreign origin for the drones.

In a related incident, a man from Northern California was arrested on 30 November for flying a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base, located near Santa Barbara. The 39-year-old, identified as Chinese national Yinpiao Zhou, was apprehended just before boarding a flight to China. While this particular incident was unrelated to the recent spate of sightings in the northeastern US, it has added to the overall sense of uncertainty surrounding drone activities in the country.

As authorities continue to monitor the situation, one question remains: Can these drones be stopped? President-elect Donald Trump suggested that the drones could not be operating without the government’s awareness, urging authorities to take action and, in a rather blunt manner, recommending that the drones be “shot down.” However, government officials have warned against such measures, pointing out that shooting down drones is illegal. The FAA has made it clear that drone operators engaging in unsafe or hazardous activities could face fines of up to $75,000 and risk having their drone pilot certificates revoked.

Some officials, like New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, have called for federal action to allow state governments to take more direct measures against the drones. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has also urged federal officials to provide states like New York and New Jersey with drone detection systems to help manage the growing number of sightings.

In conclusion, the mystery surrounding the drones over New Jersey and other states remains unresolved. While no clear threats have been identified, the phenomenon has raised serious questions about drone safety, security, and potential foreign involvement. As investigations continue, many are left wondering: What exactly is happening in the skies above these states, and when will we get the answers we seek?