Unidentified drones have been observed hovering near vital infrastructure in New Jersey, including US military research centers and police departments.
Recently, nighttime skies over the state have lit up as several large drones were spotted, some even flying close to President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
Witnesses say these drones seem larger than those typically used by hobbyists. The sightings began around November 18, with the first reports coming from near the Picatinny Arsenal, a US military research and production site.
So, who is controlling these drones and why are they in New Jersey’s airspace?
When and where have the drones been spotted?
On December 4, Florham Park Police Chief Joseph Orlando warned residents on Facebook about the drones. He noted that sightings have occurred nearly every night for the past two weeks, starting just after sunset and lasting into the early hours.
He described the drones as having a “nefarious” presence and said they’ve been spotted flying over sensitive areas like power lines, reservoirs, train depots, military bases, and police stations.
Governor Phil Murphy stated on December 5 via X (formerly Twitter) that “there is no known threat to the public.”
However, on December 8, Murphy reported that drone sightings rose significantly, with 49 sightings recorded that Sunday alone. Although some may be duplicate reports, the situation has stirred anxiety.
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia criticized the state’s assurances, arguing that the lack of information was misleading and that officials haven’t addressed the public’s growing concerns.
Who is operating the drones?
So far, neither US officials nor agencies like the Pentagon or FBI have determined who is behind these flights.
Speaking to Fox News, Congressman Jeff Van Drew claimed to have “high-level” sources suggesting that Iran could be responsible, and alleged that a “mothership” might be stationed off the East Coast.
However, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh denied this, stating clearly that there is no Iranian vessel off the coast and no foreign entity is believed to be involved.
The FBI’s Robert Wheeler testified in Congress that while investigations are active, they have yet to identify any person or group responsible.
Representative Tony Gonzales criticized the lack of answers, calling the situation “madness.”
What do the drones appear to be doing?
Although drone operations are legal in New Jersey under certain conditions, they must comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines, including a maximum takeoff weight of 55 pounds.
There’s no official word on whether these mysterious drones exceed that weight, but Al Jazeera’s Kristen Saloomey reported that some appear as large as cars.
Fantasia, after meeting with Homeland Security and state police, stated that the drones seem to fly in an “uncoordinated” way, sometimes without lights, making detection difficult. She said they operate for long durations—up to 6–7 hours—and cover about 15 miles, sparking more questions about their technology and intent.
FAA rules mandate that drones flying at night must have anti-collision lights visible from three miles away.
Locals have taken to social media to share footage and speculate. Some believe the drones are UFOs or possibly jets chasing unknown objects, while others think they may originate from China.
What will happen now?
In response to rising speculation, Congressman Van Drew warned that weaknesses in US airspace are being exploited, posing risks to national security.
Senator Cory Booker has written to federal agencies demanding transparency and vigilance as the investigation progresses.
Al Jazeera reported that local police have even deployed their own drones to collect evidence, but few solid conclusions have been reached.
Some frustrated residents and lawmakers are calling for military intervention to bring down the drones, though US law restricts such action unless a direct threat is established.
The FBI has asked the public to report sightings and submit videos or photos to help the investigation. The US Coast Guard is also supporting the probe.
The White House said it’s monitoring the case and reassured the public that there is currently no danger.
Is this the first time the US has experienced an incident like this?
Not at all. Earlier this year, people in Montana noticed a large balloon drifting overhead. The object traveled across several US states, including over sensitive military zones.
Eventually, the Pentagon confirmed it was a Chinese surveillance balloon, and it was shot down by a US fighter jet.
Beijing said it was a civilian weather airship and called Washington’s reaction an overstep, though US officials said the balloon didn’t collect any important data.
