Updated 18 December 2024
Since mid-November 2024, residents of New Jersey have reported a series of mysterious drone sightings across the state, sparking public concern and government investigations. The drones, often described as large and sophisticated, have been observed hovering over critical infrastructure, including military installations, nuclear power plants, and densely populated areas.
While it is true that a considerable number of sensitive military installations and civil infrastructure are located in Northern New Jersey, due to the location near major metropolitan areas, the size of the state and the considerable population density of this region it would be difficult not to operate near facilities that are considered sensitive at some level. Local police stations and electrical infrastructure have been cited as “sensitive”, if that is the standard then every drone flight in any urban area would qualify as a security risk. Government officials have released somewhat contradictory statements and comments on the sightings, claiming these aircraft have no “nefarious intent” though no information has been provided as to the operator of the “drones”, if these reports are even accurate and not mis-identification of other aircraft.
Concern has been amplified by mixed messages from government officials often presented without evidence. Some government officials, such as Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) have stated multiple times during media interviews that the drones are being operated from an Iranian “Drone Mothership” located off the east coast of New Jersey. He further stated that the drones should be “shot down” due to the risk they pose operating in US airspace.
It would be highly unlikely that the largest Iranian “drone mothership”, a converted Panamax containership named the IRIS Shahid Mahdavi, would be able to approach the US east coast without the awareness of extensive surveillance capabilities of the US government. In any case, the Pentagon has stated that Congressman Van Drew’s assertion is incorrect, though no Pentagon official has provided an explanation as to who is operating these craft.
The lack of an official explanation has led to speculation verging into conspiracy theories that range from foreign adversaries to alien visitation. News coverage has been extensive on legacy and cable news, in addition to social media.
Many of the images displayed in these news broadcasts resemble images of manned aircraft with standard lighting configurations that are distorted due to long exposure. The exhilaration a bureaucrat must feel to think that a foreign adversary engaged in such brazen activities or better yet extraterrestrial beings are careful to be in compliance with FAA regulations on aircraft lighting must be something to behold, but closer examination at many images submitted as proof of drone flights seem to be explained as mis-identification with manned aircraft. The FBI, through their Newark Field Office issued a statement supporting this assessment, warning the public to not shoot at or point lasers at the suspected UAS.
There is historical precedent to a sort of aerial mass hysteria resulting in a haphazard response from government officials in the United States, though under somewhat understandable conditions. Months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the US entry in the Second World War, a wayward weather balloon over Los Angeles resulted in a nightlong battle against a mysterious enemy. News reports by eyewitnesses recounted hundreds of invaders, with claims of 4 enemy airplanes shot down by anti-aircraft batteries. There were no enemy aircraft however, and the so-called “Battle of Los Angeles” served as an example of war-time anxiety and an embarrassing display of government incompetency. Amusingly, many of the statements made by elected officials at the time of this incident resemble statements made today regarding the New Jersey drone sightings.
On 18 December 2024, legislators were briefed by government agencies responding to the incidents, as the meeting was not open to the public, we have to rely on post-briefing interviews. There was no definitive statement made as to the origin or owner of these “drones”, though legislators seemed more confident that the craft don’t pose a threat. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) did however state clearly that “little green men” are not involved, which is a relief. That this rules out all other colors of potential aliens, entities, or cryptids can only be assumed. Distinction should be made clearly between statements made that are assumptions as to the origin of these “drones” by public officials, as speculation on the origin of the drones has been circulated on social media as fact, when no official statement has been made as of the date of this article’s update.
It is not that individuals making reports are wrong in reporting what they see, but that these reports should be taken in context of additional evidence as eyewitness reports are often the least reliable source of information in aviation incident investigations. These sightings coincide with increased concern over UAS in the National Airspace System, and more interest should be placed on the government’s response and interactions between local, state and federal agencies than these “drones” themselves. Conveniently, in response to the overall increasing frequency of unidentified drone sightings, particularly in the northeastern United States, several legislative initiatives are underway to enhance the regulation and management of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Counter-UAS Authority Extension:
Bipartisan efforts in the House of Representatives aim to reauthorize and expand federal counter-drone authorities. The proposed legislation seeks to equip federal, state, and local law enforcement with enhanced capabilities to detect, identify, and mitigate unauthorized or malicious drone activities. House Homeland Security
Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act:
This proposed bill intends to grant state and local law enforcement agencies greater authority to manage drone-related threats. It includes provisions for a pilot program allowing these agencies to exercise counter-UAS measures over a specified period. ABC News
Countering CCP Drones Act (H.R. 2864):
This bill proposes adding certain foreign drone manufacturers, notably DJI, to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List. Inclusion on this list would effectively prohibit the operation of these drones within U.S. communications infrastructure, citing national security concerns. US Congress
Several US companies stand to benefit from the proliferation of counter-UAS technology amongst civilian police agencies and have been active in lobbying for these legislative changes. This in no way implies a connection to these reported drone sightings and further information on market opportunities and industry stakeholders will be listed in another article. Countering malicious or wayward UAS will be an ongoing and complex problem likely to be of concern for many years to come.
As far as the coverage of these incidents, until an official statement is made or a significant development occurs, no additional updates will be posted.
