Mystery Drones Over US Bases: How is the FAA Responding?

Federal Aviation Administration sign on grassy lawn.

The sighting of unidentified drones over U.S. military installations has created heightened security concerns and prompted swift action from the FAA.

At a Glance

Numerous mysterious drone sightings across New Jersey and the eastern U.S. spark concern.
The FBI investigates drone sightings but finds no immediate national security threats.
President Biden asserts no danger from the drones, despite public wariness.
Increased pressure from lawmakers for stricter drone regulations and responses.

Unidentified Drones Spark Security Concerns

Several recent drone sightings at key military installations, including those in New Jersey, have raised significant concerns about the security of U.S. airspace. Of particular note, drones have been reported near sensitive sites such as the Picatinny Arsenal and Trump’s golf course. These incidents follow numerous similar detections at airbases like Hill in Utah and Ramstein Air Base overseas. Despite these concerns, investigations by the FBI and Homeland Security have yet to link these incidents with any tangible threats to national security.

Responses from the government, including reassuring statements from President Joe Biden, have emphasized that no credible danger has been identified. A joint effort between several departments aims to address these incursions seriously, aligning strategies to better classify and handle the drone occurrences. Even so, both state and municipal lawmakers have voiced demands for more stringent regulations concerning unmanned aircraft, advocating for measures that include the authority to shoot drones down when deemed necessary.

The Mysterious Drones Flying Over U.S. Military Bases

> why couldn't the military just shoot them down?
> Federal law prohibits shooting down drones unless they pose an imminent threat. There's a risk to American citizens or people who live on the base if you shoot a drone down…

— Cory Simon (@CoryMSimon) October 23, 2024

FAA’s Counter-Drone Measures

The FAA has responded by expanding flight restrictions over 22 critical infrastructure locations. Despite these increases in security measures, the White House maintains that there is no immediate risk to public safety. Witness reports have been compiled from over 5,000 sightings on the East Coast alone, causing significant public and media attention. John Kirby of the White House National Security Council noted that drone activities have indeed penetrated restricted airspace around crucial military sites such as Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

“There are a lot of drones authorized. We are following this closely. So far no sense of danger,” said President Joe Biden.

The FAA has reported that more than one million drones are legally registered across the United States, serving various functions ranging from commercial to hobbyist uses. Enhancements in drone detection and monitoring are also underway at installations like the Picatinny Arsenal, with additional resources deployed to curtail unauthorized drone activities.

Drones were circling a U.S. military base and potentially stealing secrets.

The Biden-Harris administration failed to take action.https://t.co/Vtfj7iLMJR

— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) October 14, 2024

Future Considerations for Drone Regulation

Despite over 5,000 drone sighting reports, only around 100 remain under investigation for further exploration. This has led to speculation about whether these drones relate to foreign espionage or unrestricted commercial activity. The Pentagon has denied any military involvement. Airports and military bases have faced temporary closures due to these drone incursions, illustrating the logistical challenges in maintaining airspace security. The Defense Department continues to treat these occurrences seriously, emphasizing collaboration with the FAA and Homeland Security in managing these threats.

“We take all of those [reports] seriously. Typically, when we detect them, we attempt to classify them and take appropriate measures. Is it possible that some of those are surveillance? Absolutely. Can you make that assumption in every case? Not necessarily so,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Major General Pat Ryder.

Foreign adversaries have often exploited gaps in existing drone defenses, emphasizing the importance of having robust regulations in place. Calls from Congress for expanded counter-drone authorities further highlight the critical nature of the evolving drone threat landscape.