Unidentified UAVs over military installations have sparked security concerns across the United States. Numerous sightings of suspected drones have been reported over residential areas, restricted sites and critical infrastructure, including reservoirs, electric transmission lines, rail stations, police departments and military bases. These incidents have prompted federal agencies to investigate and address increasing public concerns.

Government response

John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, provided an update regarding the recent drone sightings across the United States. According to Kirby, more than 5,000 drone sightings have been reported in recent weeks, but only about 100 of these required further investigation.

Kirby said the sightings have included a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones and law enforcement drones, as well as some crewed aircraft and stars mistaken for drones.

However, the U.S. government is implementing precautionary measures. UAV detection and tracking systems are being installed at Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey. The FBI is spearheading investigations into the sightings, and local law enforcement agencies are conducting their own inquiries as well, CNN reported.

Several military installations have reported drone activity, including:

• Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio temporarily closed its airspace due to drone sightings.
• Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey confirmed 11 unauthorized drone flights over its airspace.
• Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey has also reported drone sightings.
• Ramstein Air Base in Germany experienced drone activity in early December 2024.

In an interview with ABC News, Alejandro Mayorkas, head of the Department of Homeland Security, said, “There’s no question that drones are being sighted.”

Impact on daily operations

The drone sightings have affected civilian infrastructure as well. Stewart International Airport in New York temporarily closed its runways for about an hour due to reported drone activity. Residents in several East Coast states have also reported seeing hovering and low-flying bright lights at night.

While the increase in sightings has raised concerns among residents and lawmakers alike, federal authorities maintain that most of these incidents do not pose a significant threat to public safety or national security.