New Jersey has been shrouded in a continuing mystery as a wave of unidentified aerial sightings continues to baffle residents and authorities alike.
Officially described as drones, these aerial intrusions continue to occur, particularly at night. The reported sightings involves aerial vehicles which are mostly larger than typical hobbyist drones.
A large number of the drones are being reported to be the size of small cars. Having continued for weeks, the wave of sightings has raised significant concerns about public safety and questions of national security.
A Growing List of Sightings
Reports of these unexplained aerial sightings have emerged from various regions across the state, including:
Central Jersey: Areas near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility. Sightings also occurred near President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
North Jersey: Counties like Morris, Sussex, and Warren, with sightings concentrated around sensitive infrastructure and residential areas.
Other Regions: Sporadic reports from South Jersey and the Delaware Valley have also surfaced.
New Jersey Congressman Tom Kean took to social media to issue a statement on the ongoing phenomenon. He urged authorities to take definitive action to address the matter.
“I join thousands of New Jersey residents in deep frustration regarding the growing concerns over drones operating in our skies. The safety and privacy of our residents must be a top priority, and right now, both are being put at risk.”
“I am calling for the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other appropriate federal agencies to deploy greater resources to investigate and address this escalating issue.”
“Additionally, an in-depth public briefing from authorities should take place immediately. The people of New Jersey deserve answers, and I will continue to demand accountability to ensure their rights and security are fully protected.”
A statement was issued by Tony Perry, the Mayor of Middletown, New Jersey on Monday 9 December: “Over the weekend, nearly a dozen unmanned drones were reported in various areas of Middletown, including the airspace over Naval Weapons Station Earle. This unauthorized activity poses significant security concerns for critical military installations and the surrounding communities.
Public Concern and Official Response
Residents have expressed a mix of curiosity and apprehension, fearing potential security threats or privacy breaches. Local law enforcement agencies and federal authorities, including the FBI, have initiated investigations to identify the source of the drones and their intentions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed temporary UAS flight restrictions in certain areas to protect airspace and ensure the safety of manned aircraft.
FAA NOTAM FDC 4/1797 restricts the operation of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), or drones, in regions of New Jersey until 20 December 2024.
These restrictions highlight the growing challenge the unidentified aerial vehicles are currently presenting to authorities.
The Search for Answers
In a statement earlier this week, Governor Phil Murphy said that the phenomena didn’t appear to pose a public safety concern. Governor Murphy has also spoken with White House officials about the ‘very sophisticated’ drones over New Jersey. “The minute you get eyes on them, they go dark… This is something we’re taking deadly seriously,” he said.
Nevertheless, as investigations unfold, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drone activity.
Experts are analyzing video footage and other evidence to gain insights into the origin, technology and capabilities of these aerial devices.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
