Drone Sightings Investigations: Latest drone sightings in New Jersey and New York has baffled the world. U.S. law enforcement agencies still seeking the answers and requesting citizens to report and submit videos. White house has denied Government’s role in these sightings.
Shailesh Kumar, National Defence
New Delhi, 19 December 2024
Even Joint Staff Department of Defense confirmed sightings of drone at two military bases- Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle and told media that the FBI, DHS, FAA and DOD have been unable to determine who is responsible for flying the drones, and there’s no indication that there are adversary nations involved.
If it is not Government, if it is not adversaries then who is flying those glowing Orbs and big car sized drones. Experts refused to admit them being hobbyists’ drones. The Stewart International Airport in New York was temporarily shut down for about one hour on December 13, 2024, due to drone sightings. Are these drones just a mass hysteria or aliens invasion or some top secret military program.
Your channel National Defence has investigated the issue at length and would present you facts that will unravel the mystery of these drones.
To start with we have to go into the history of drone sightings, which US officials have termed them UAP or unidentified aerial phenomenon.
The latest mysterious drone sightings trend spreading across the East Coast, started in New Jersey in mid-November 2024. These drones, described as “car-sized,” were initially spotted flying in coordinated patterns in northern New Jersey. By early December, sightings extended into New York City, particularly in Brooklyn and Staten Island, where residents reported seeing groups of drones with blinking lights.
Before drone sightings in New Jersey, U.S. Military reported drones being hovering over its military bases in U.K. between November 20–26 this year. Your channel National Defence reported Drones were spotted flying over U.S. Air Force bases in England, including RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell.
These incursions raised security concerns, prompting British authorities to deploy additional troops around the bases. Officials observed various drone sizes and configurations but have not confirmed their origin or intent.
Besides U.K. a drone flew over the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier while it was docked in Hamburg, Germany on November 22. This raised alarms about drones being used to gather intelligence or disrupt strategic operations.
Before these drone sightings on military bases in U.K. and Germany, a strange pattern of drone activity was noted in late 2023 and continues into 2024. This includes long-lasting sightings over Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, which houses the F-22 Raptor squadrons and other critical military assets. U.S. Department of Defense, Pentagon had no answers to these drone sightings except they admitted drones presence.
The reaction of US Administration, authorities baffled many. However, these drone sightings are not stand alone and we need to look back to understand the logic behind present sightings. The latest drone sightings has open a pandora’s box as these drones, UAPs, or UFOs or USOs were only seen by U.S. military until now. If we look some of these craziest sightings then first comes to mind is a sighting in Puerto Rico.
On April 26, 2013, an infrared sensor onboard a U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft captured footage of a UAP event over the Rafael Hernandez Airport near Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The footage appears to depict a UAP moving at high speed, splitting into two objects, and entering and exiting the water before disappearing into the ocean off Puerto Rico’s north western coast. America’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office AARO assessed with high confidence that the objects did not demonstrate anomalous speeds or flight behaviors. An Intelligence Community partner’s reconstruction of the flight path and look angle from the infrared sensor indicates that the video instead depicts two objects traveling near each other rather than a single object splitting into two.
The next UAP sighting was in December 2018, when a forward-looking infrared video sensor aboard an uncrewed U.S. Air Force platform captured footage while operating over the Mediterranean Sea. This footage depicts an object that appears to be transiting a plume of superheated gas and ash produced by an eruption of Mt. Etna, a volcano in Sicily, Italy. AARO assesses with moderate confidence that balloon did not emit plumes instead mysterious unidentified balloon’s position was approximately 170 kilometers from the caldera traveling at wind speed and direction.
Then comes next big sightings by U.S. Navy- that reported UAP phenomenon to House Intelligence Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation Subcommittee on May 17, 2022. U.S. Navy camera from July of 2019 captured multiple objects, initially identified as UAPs, harassing Navy ships participating in Naval Exercises off Sothern California. The video, taken by Sailors onboard one of the ships, was captured through night vision goggles and a single lens reflex camera. Based on additional information and data from other UAP sightings, the UAPs in this video were subsequently reclassified as unmanned aerial systems.
This was not the first time for Navy, in a hearing on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena before the House Intelligence Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation Subcommittee on May 17, 2022, Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence Mr. Scott Bray shared video of a US. Naval aviator encounter with an unknown object (UAP) in a fleeting pass. The video, captured by the pilot in the cockpit of a Navy fighter jet, demonstrates the typical speed at which military aircraft may approach an unknown object. (also picture)
On April 19 same year, Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, director of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), shared a video that depicts an apparent silver, orb-like object cross the sensor’s field of view. This clip was taken by an MQ-9 in the Middle East, and while AARO assesses the object in the clip is not exhibiting anomalous behavior, the object remains unidentified.
On 15 January 2023, two UAP activities were recorded. In these two South Asian Object videos that shows an unidentified object with an apparent atmospheric wake or cavitation trailing it as it moves across the sensor’s field of view from left to right. An MQ-9 forward-looking infrared video sensor captured this footage in South Asia as it was recording another MQ-9.
Much before these sightings 3 unidentified objects were recorded on infrared video in 2021 from a military range in the western United States. Analysis of the full motion video, combined with commercial flight data in the region, led AARO to assess that the objects were three separate commercial aircraft flying at a great distance from the infrared sensor. The radar tracks for commercial aircraft aligned with the objects, which were only seen as small dots due to their significant distance from the sensor.
These sightings till date remains a mystery. So what are these? Before I take you to some startling facts to unravel the mystery… you may need to listen in the deputy secretary of Defence Dr. Katheline Hicks…
So, Deputty Secretary is talking about the replicator program of the United States. The war in Ukraine has also accelerated the use of low-cost autonomous capabilities alongside traditional forces to increase the scale and accuracy of surveillance and attacks, Ms Hicks emphasized Replicator initiative is also important for the defense of Taiwan in case of PRC attacks the island nation.
The Replicator initiative is focused on fielding thousands of “attritable,” capabilities — platforms that are unmanned and built affordably, allowing commanders to tolerate a higher degree of risk in employing them — across multiple domains by August 2025.
According to Deputy Secretary Hicks, Replicator is “a pathfinder” that will “speed the scaling of responsible autonomy more broadly” while meeting operational goals.
“And we’ll continue to adapt as our competitors and adversaries do the same,” “That’s partly why Replicator’s second iteration will scale systems to counter the threat of small airborne drones, in line with our recently released classified Strategy for Countering Unmanned Systems.”
Hicks said future wars will require militaries to combine legacy systems with these “attritable” capabilities deployed at large scale.
But as the war in Ukraine has shown, success in future wars will not be determined by technology alone.
Hicks noted the “asymmetric advantage” alliances and partnerships will continue to play going forward.
In Deputy Secretary Hicks words “We share values. We train together deeply. We provide each other access, bases and overflight,”. “Our capabilities are seamlessly interoperable and increasingly interchangeable. Our supply chains strengthen one another.”
Please note Hicks was speaking at UK’s Royal United Services Institute soon after release of Pentagon’s classified strategy to counter drones. Does that also explains drone sightings at military bases in United Kingdom and Germany. So for that we must remember that in 2024, Germany and the UK signed the “Trinity House” agreements, which include plans to co-develop a combat drone program designed to work alongside their air forces. This effort complements ongoing European defense projects like the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), showing an interest in advancing drone capabilities for coordinated operations with manned fighter jets.
The USA is deeply integrated into NATO defense initiatives, which indirectly involve Germany and the UK. While there is no specific joint drone program, all three countries collaborate through NATO’s broader frameworks, such as the development of interoperability standards for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Additionally, the US frequently provides technical expertise and financial backing for allied drone programs. As of now Germany with Ukraine has huge drone production infrastructure in Ukraine.
In view of Replicator initiative, we should also look at the Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant (DIIG) is a U.S. federal program aimed at improving the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of infrastructure inspections using drones. This initiative, part of broader legislation, seeks to modernize how critical infrastructure—such as bridges, roads, and dams—is inspected and maintained. The involvement of private players is pivotal for success of such programs.
In 2023, a cooperative agreement was signed to establish a drone testing corridor between New Jersey and Delaware. This corridor aims to facilitate research and development for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies. The partnership involves entities such as the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park (NARTP), U.S. Air Force Mobility Command (AMC), and U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). It will connect Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, spanning approximately 78 miles.
The corridor is designed for dual-use purposes, supporting both military and civilian drone testing. Key applications include evaluating new air mobility technologies, strategic airlift capabilities, and commercial applications. Additionally, the corridor builds upon prior initiatives such as the Airfield Autonomy Initiative, which focuses on autonomous systems for airport maintenance and security. While specific timelines are not yet finalized, the project highlights New Jersey’s growing role in aviation innovation
The U.S. government operates several drone programs across different agencies, primarily for military, intelligence, and federal applications. These programs focus on various missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, strike capabilities, disaster response, and border patrol. Key initiatives and systems include:
Department of Defense runs The Blue UAS or Unmanned Aircraft Systems initiative that ensures drones meet strict cybersecurity and manufacturing standards. These systems are approved for military and federal use and comply with the National Defense Authorization Act. The program is spearheaded by the Defense Innovation Unit, aiming to create secure, reliable, and cost-effective drones for military operations. Notable systems include Skydio X2D and Freefly Alta X, used for border patrol and tactical missions
Bro, this is crazy!! Someone just sent this recording!!
Mysterious movements in the night sky. Anyone else seen these??#dronesovernewjersey #UFO #UAP #ovni #UFOSightings #UAPHearing #ovni #orbs pic.twitter.com/zpGpmT2fua
— Ezee (@EzeemmaCraic) December 19, 2024
Replicator Initiative: This newer strategy focuses on deploying large numbers of low-cost, autonomous drones to support defense operations, emphasizing scalability and adaptability
Intelligence and Surveillance:
Programs like the MQ-9 Reaper and Global Hawk focus on high-altitude, long-endurance surveillance and targeted strikes for military operations. These drones are integral to counterterrorism efforts and situational awareness in conflict zones
Homeland Security and Federal Use:
Agencies such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deploy drones for border surveillance. Smaller drones like the DJI Matrice and Blue UAS-approved systems assist with disaster response, search-and-rescue operations, and infrastructure inspections
Source: @ExiledEarthling
Location: 📍Atlanta, GA 🇺🇸
Multiple UFO UAP Orbs seen hovering in the skies…👀🛸
I think we are in the endgame, they cannot keep this in the dark anymore.
Everyone can see them.
Seen on @X pic.twitter.com/GJt2nGqvQF
— Just (@Kobe_for_3) December 19, 2024
Research and Development: The Pentagon is also advancing drone autonomy and AI capabilities, with ongoing work in machine learning integration for real-time decision-making and situational adaptation. This is reflected in prototypes under the Blue UAS program and DARPA-backed projects
For procurement, these drones are often acquired through tailored contracts, government procurement systems, and direct purchases from vetted manufacturers
New Jersey itself is engaged in broader drone-related initiatives through its Homeland Security office, focusing on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) regulation and threat assessment. This includes ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) laws for drone operation, especially near critical infrastructure. Additionally, New Jersey is part of national efforts to counteract the misuse of drones, including possible espionage or interference with sensitive sites.
https://x.com/ExiledEarthling/status/1869832882925252646
Yes, New Jersey plays a key role in the U.S. government’s drone testing efforts. A major initiative is the establishment of an East Coast test corridor for Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies. This corridor connects Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) in New Jersey with Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, spanning approximately 78 miles. It is designed for both military and civilian use, allowing the testing, development, and demonstration of various technologies, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and other drones
The second phase of the Replicator program, announced by the Pentagon in 2024, focuses on enhancing the U.S. military’s counter-drone capabilities. This phase addresses the growing threat of small, low-cost drones, which have been used effectively by adversaries, such as in the conflicts involving Russia, Iran, and various militant groups. Replicator 2 aims to accelerate the deployment of defensive technologies against these drones, specifically targeting small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) that are difficult to detect and neutralize. Drones can be used for sensing and for surveillance.
Under Replicator 2, the Department of Defense plans to field rapid countermeasures, including off-the-shelf technologies and systems capable of detecting, tracking, and defeating drone threats. This initiative is expected to be integrated into the fiscal 2026 budget, with a goal of significantly improving these countermeasures within 24 months of funding approval
Replicator 2 is aligned with broader efforts to defend military assets from drone threats, which could range from electronic warfare solutions to kinetic interception systems. This strategy is part of a layered defense approach, ensuring a variety of capabilities to counter both conventional and novel drone-based attacks.
Comments