Mysterious drones have been reported flying over various parts of the United States, including San Diego County, New Jersey, and other nearby states, leaving officials baffled about their origin and purpose. These sightings, which have been ongoing for weeks, involve large drones described as significantly larger and more sophisticated than standard hobbyist models. Witnesses report the drones as being loud, resembling the sound of lawnmowers, and in some cases approaching the size of small cars.
Key Sightings and Activity
- Military Bases: Drones have been observed near several U.S. military installations, including the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. Restrictions on drone flights have been issued in these areas by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- Civilian Areas: Numerous reports detail drones swarming over homes, apartments, and landmarks, including New York City’s Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
- Coastal Incidents: New Jersey police documented a swarm of about 50 drones arriving from the ocean, with one swarm reportedly following a U.S. Coast Guard rescue boat.
- International Parallels: Similar drone swarms have been spotted near UK military bases housing U.S. Air Force squadrons, suggesting a possible connection.
Government and Expert Reactions
The sightings have drawn attention from federal and state officials, including the FBI, which is now investigating and urging the public to report any drone activity. The House Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing on December 10 to address the issue. Officials suggested the drones could include a mix of rotor and fixed-wing designs but acknowledged having little concrete information about their operators or purpose.
Experts, such as Daniel Gerstein of the RAND Corporation, believe the drones likely have capabilities beyond those of standard consumer models, indicating a higher level of sophistication and range. However, in some cases, reports may have mistaken traditional aircraft for drones, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Possible Threats and Speculation
While officials assert the drones do not yet pose a serious threat, their presence over sensitive areas and military sites has raised concerns about surveillance or coordinated activities. The unusual scale and behavior of the swarms have further fueled speculation about their intent, though no evidence currently points to malicious action.
The mystery drones continue to spark public and governmental scrutiny as authorities work to identify their operators and objectives.
