Latest Drone UAP Incursions in the USA and UK
Unexplained UAP and Drone Sightings Spark Security Concerns in New Jersey and New York near Military installations!
In recent months, unauthorized drone activities have increasingly encroached upon sensitive military and civilian infrastructures, raising significant concerns about national security, espionage, and public safety. Notably, the United States and the United Kingdom have experienced a surge in such incidents, particularly around critical military bases. This article provides an in-depth examination of these occurrences, detailing specific locations, dates, and characteristics of the sightings, and explores the challenges authorities face in addressing this complex issue.
Imaginary Illustration of multiple small triangular drones hovering over a secure military base at night
Key Drone UAP Incidents in the United States
1. Naval Weapons Station Earle, New Jersey
Location and Importance:
Naval Weapons Station Earle, located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, is a critical U.S. Navy facility responsible for the storage and loading of munitions onto naval vessels. Its distinguishing feature is a 2.1-mile (3.4 km) pier extending into Sandy Hook Bay, facilitating the secure transfer of ordnance.Incidents:
Between December 6 and 8, 2024, multiple drones were reported breaching the restricted airspace over the base. On December 6, six drones were observed hovering over critical zones, exhibiting coordinated flight patterns and erratic movements.Characteristics:
Lights: Steady white lights without the standard red or green navigation indicators required for aircraft.
Sound: Witnesses noted minimal to no noise, unusual for drones capable of such maneuvers.
Response and Challenges:
Investigations by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Navy have yet to identify the operators or their launch points. The drones’ ability to "go dark" by ceasing GPS or RF signal transmissions has significantly impeded tracking efforts. The recent surge in drone sightings over sensitive sites like Naval Weapons Station Earle has prompted calls for enhanced federal engagement and legislative action to address potential security threats.
2. LaGuardia Airport and Staten Island, New York
LaGuardia Airport, located in Queens, New York, is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of passengers annually. Staten Island, one of New York City's five boroughs, lies southwest of LaGuardia, across the Upper New York Bay. The airspace encompassing LaGuardia and Staten Island is vital for both commercial aviation and national security, necessitating strict regulation to ensure safe aircraft operations.
Incidents:
Since mid-November 2024, numerous reports have emerged of large drones operating near LaGuardia Airport and over Staten Island. These drones have been described as "car-sized" and have been observed flying in formation near LaGuardia's airspace and over Staten Island. The proximity of these drones to densely populated areas and busy flight routes has raised significant safety and security concerns.
Characteristics:
Size and Shape: Witnesses have described the drones as large, with some estimating them to be the size of small vehicles, possibly indicating fixed-wing designs.
Lights and Sound: The drones reportedly display uniform white lights and operate with minimal to no noise, exhibiting deliberate and evasive movements.
Response:
In response to these sightings, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed temporary flight restrictions in the affected areas. Despite these measures, the drones have eluded interception, complicating detection and response efforts. Investigators speculate that mobile launch platforms, such as vehicles or boats, may be facilitating these operations.
The persistence of these drone sightings has prompted calls for enhanced federal engagement and legislative action to address potential security threats. Local officials, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, have urged federal authorities to take more decisive action, emphasizing the need for federal and legislative measures to protect critical infrastructure and public safety.
3. Langley Air Force Base, Virginia
Location and Importance:
Langley Air Force Base, situated in Hampton, Virginia, is a pivotal hub for U.S. air operations. It houses advanced aircraft, notably the F-22 Raptor stealth fighters, and is in proximity to other critical installations, including Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base. This strategic positioning underscores its significance in national defense.Incidents:
Between December 6 and 23, 2023, Langley Air Force Base experienced 17 consecutive nights of unauthorized drone activity. Reports indicated the presence of multiple drones, with numbers and configurations varying each night. These drones were observed operating in restricted airspace, raising significant security concerns.
Characteristics:
Size and Type: The drones varied in size and configuration. Some were described as large, fixed-wing drones approximately 20 feet in length, traveling at speeds around 100 mph. Others were smaller quadcopter-style unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Lights: Predominantly white lights were reported on the drones, with some exhibiting blinking patterns.
Sound: Larger drones operated silently, while smaller quadcopters emitted faint buzzing noises.
Response:
Despite extensive surveillance efforts, including the deployment of fighter jets, the drones evaded capture and identification. The incursions did not exhibit hostile intent but posed a threat to flight safety. In one notable incident in January 2024, an F-22 Raptor nearly collided with an unidentified object over Joint Base Langley-Eustis, forcing the pilot to alter the flight path.
The origin and operators of these drones remain unknown, prompting ongoing investigations by military and federal agencies to address potential security vulnerabilities and enhance counter-UAS measures.
4. Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey
Location and Importance:
Picatinny Arsenal, located in Morris County, New Jersey, is a premier U.S. Army research and manufacturing facility specializing in the development of advanced munitions and weapons systems. The arsenal plays a crucial role in supporting the nation's defense capabilities.Incidents:
On November 18, 2024, multiple unauthorized drones were observed hovering over Picatinny Arsenal and surrounding areas in Morris County. These sightings coincided with a series of unexplained drone activities reported across New Jersey during the same period.
Characteristics:
Behavior: The drones hovered over the facility for extended periods before disappearing, suggesting deliberate surveillance activities.
Lights: Witnesses reported consistent white-light patterns on the drones, with no visible navigation markers, which is atypical for standard aircraft lighting.
Response:
The incident prompted a coordinated response involving local law enforcement, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and federal agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. Investigations are ongoing to identify the operators of these drones and assess potential security threats. As of now, no official conclusions have been publicly disclosed regarding the origin or intent of the drone activities over Picatinny Arsenal.
The unauthorized drone flights over military installations like Picatinny Arsenal are illegal and raise significant security concerns. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are urging the public to report any suspicious drone activities to assist in the investigation.
5. Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
Location and Importance:
Eglin Air Force Base, located in northwest Florida, serves as a primary testing and evaluation center for advanced weapons and aircraft within the U.S. military infrastructure.Incident Overview:
Date: January 26, 2023
Location: Near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
Event: During a routine training exercise, a military pilot reported encountering four unidentified aerial objects at altitudes between 16,000 and 18,000 feet, appearing to fly in formation. Upon closer inspection, only one object was visually confirmed.
Object Characteristics:
Shape and Appearance: The object was described as gray with a paneled surface and an orange-red center, resembling a large balloon. The pilot noted a rounded bottom and a rounded, cone-shaped top, similar to an Apollo spacecraft. A perceived heat signature was observed emanating from the bottom portion.
Size and Movement: Estimated to be about 12 feet in diameter, the object appeared either stationary or moving very slowly.
Detection and Response:
Sensors: The object was detected using onboard radar and visually confirmed. Two images were captured via the aircraft’s electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor; however, video recording equipment was inoperable during the flight.
Radar Malfunction: As the pilot approached within 4,000 feet, the aircraft's radar malfunctioned due to a tripped circuit breaker, a recurring issue with the aircraft, assessed as unrelated to the object's presence.
Investigation and Analysis:
AARO Assessment: The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) analyzed the incident and concluded that the object was very likely a lighter-than-air (LTA) object, such as a large commercial lighting balloon. This assessment was based on pilot testimonies, sensor data, and comparative analysis with known aerial objects. AARO assigned a moderate confidence level to this conclusion due to limited data.
Public Disclosure: The incident gained public attention when Congressman Matt Gaetz discussed it during a Congressional hearing, describing the object as an "orb" with capabilities beyond known human technology.
Key Incidents in the United Kingdom and Germany
1. RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk
Location and Importance:
RAF Lakenheath, situated in Suffolk, England, is a significant U.S. Air Force installation hosting the 48th Fighter Wing. The base operates advanced aircraft, including F-15E Strike Eagles and F-35A Lightning II jets, playing a crucial role in NATO's military operations across Europe.Incidents:
Between November 20 and 26, 2024, unauthorized drone activities were reported over RAF Lakenheath and neighboring bases such as RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell, and RAF Fairford. These drones breached restricted airspace, hovering over sensitive areas and raising significant security concerns.
Characteristics:
Shapes: Witnesses reported sightings of both small quadcopters and larger fixed-wing drones, with some estimates suggesting sizes exceeding 20 feet in length.
Lights and Sound: The drones displayed steady white lights without the standard red or green navigation indicators typical of conventional aircraft. Many operated silently, which is unusual for drones of such size and capability.
Response:
In response to these incursions, approximately 60 British troops, including counter-drone specialists, were deployed to the affected bases. They utilized advanced counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) technology, such as the ORCUS system, designed to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones by jamming their communications and forcing them to land.
Despite these measures, the drones managed to evade capture or definitive identification, indicating a high level of sophistication in their operation. The incidents have prompted ongoing investigations by both U.S. and UK military and intelligence agencies to determine the origin and intent behind these unauthorized flights.
The persistent nature of these drone activities has heightened concerns about the security of critical military infrastructure and the potential for espionage or other hostile actions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for enhanced counter-drone capabilities to protect sensitive installations.
2. RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk
Location and Importance:
RAF Mildenhall, located in Suffolk, England, is a pivotal U.S. Air Force installation primarily hosting the 100th Air Refueling Wing, which provides essential air refueling capabilities. The base also supports special operations activities, serving as a critical logistical hub for NATO forces operating in Europe.Incidents:
Between November 20 and 26, 2024, unauthorized drone activities were reported over RAF Mildenhall, coinciding with similar incursions at nearby bases, including RAF Lakenheath and RAF Feltwell. These drones breached restricted airspace, hovering over sensitive areas and prompting significant security concerns.
Characteristics:
Lights and Movement: The drones exhibited steady white lights without standard red or green navigation indicators. They moved in coordinated patterns, suggesting deliberate operation, and appeared to avoid radar detection, indicating a level of sophistication.
Response:
In response to these incursions, approximately 60 British troops, including counter-drone specialists, were deployed to the affected bases. They utilized advanced counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) technology, such as the ORCUS system, designed to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones by jamming their communications and forcing them to land.
Despite these measures, the drones managed to evade capture or definitive identification, indicating a high level of sophistication in their operation. The incidents have prompted ongoing investigations by both U.S. and UK military and intelligence agencies to determine the origin and intent behind these unauthorized flights.
The persistent nature of these drone activities has heightened concerns about the security of critical military infrastructure and the potential for espionage or other hostile actions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for enhanced counter-drone capabilities to protect sensitive installations.
3. RAF Feltwell, Norfolk
Location and Importance:
RAF Feltwell, located in Norfolk, England, serves as a support site for U.S. Air Force operations, providing housing and facilities for personnel stationed at nearby bases such as RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall. Its proximity to these installations underscores its strategic significance within the U.S. military presence in the United Kingdom.Incidents:
Between November 20 and 26, 2024, unauthorized drone activities were reported over RAF Feltwell, coinciding with similar incursions at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall. These drones breached restricted airspace, hovering over sensitive areas and prompting security concerns.
Characteristics:
Lights and Movement: The drones exhibited steady white lights without standard red or green navigation indicators. They moved in coordinated patterns, suggesting deliberate operation, and appeared to avoid radar detection, indicating a level of sophistication.
Response:
In response to these incursions, British troops, including counter-drone specialists, were deployed to the affected bases. They utilized advanced counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) technology, such as the ORCUS system, designed to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones by jamming their communications and forcing them to land.
Despite these measures, the drones managed to evade capture or definitive identification, indicating a high level of sophistication in their operation. The incidents have prompted ongoing investigations by both U.S. and UK military and intelligence agencies to determine the origin and intent behind these unauthorized flights.
The persistent nature of these drone activities has heightened concerns about the security of critical military infrastructure and the potential for espionage or other hostile actions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for enhanced counter-drone capabilities to protect sensitive installations.
4. HMS Queen Elizabeth, Hamburg, Germany
Location and Importance:
HMS Queen Elizabeth, the United Kingdom's flagship aircraft carrier, represents a significant projection of British naval power. Commissioned in 2017, it is equipped to carry F-35B Lightning II jets and boasts advanced radar and defense systems. The vessel plays a pivotal role in the UK's maritime operations and defense strategy.Incident Overview:
Date: November 22, 2024
Location: Port of Hamburg, Germany
Event: During a port visit to Hamburg, an unidentified drone was observed operating in close proximity to HMS Queen Elizabeth. The drone, measuring approximately 1.5 by 1.5 meters, approached the aircraft carrier, raising security concerns.
Drone Characteristics:
Type: Described as a quadcopter-style drone.
Lights: Equipped with steady white lights.
Sound: Reportedly operated silently.
Response and Investigation:
Immediate Actions: The Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) deployed counter-drone units equipped with HP-47 handheld jammers in an attempt to disrupt the drone's operations. Despite these efforts, the drone evaded capture and was last seen near the Tollerort container terminal.
Jurisdictional Challenges: The incident highlighted legal constraints, as the Bundeswehr's authority to engage the drone was limited to the designated military security zone. Once the drone exited this area, responsibility shifted to local police forces, complicating coordinated response efforts.
Speculations: The proximity of the drone's last known location to the Tollerort container terminal, partially owned by a Chinese company, has led to conjecture about potential foreign intelligence involvement. However, no definitive links have been established.
Context and Implications:
This incident occurred amid a series of unauthorized drone activities near critical military installations in Europe, including recent sightings over U.S. Air Force bases in the United Kingdom. The pattern of these incursions has raised concerns about potential espionage or surveillance operations targeting NATO assets.
Conclusion:
The unauthorized drone activity near HMS Queen Elizabeth underscores the evolving challenges posed by unmanned aerial systems to military security. The incident has prompted calls for enhanced counter-drone measures and greater international cooperation to address potential threats to critical defense infrastructure.
5. Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, Germany
Location and Importance:
Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, located near the Dutch border in Germany, serves as the primary operating base for NATO's Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. These E-3A Sentry aircraft are essential for air surveillance, command, and control missions across Europe, providing critical support for NATO operations.Incident Overview:
Date: August 22, 2024
Event: The base elevated its security level to "Charlie," the second-highest alert status, in response to intelligence reports indicating a potential threat, possibly involving Russian Orlan-10 drones. This heightened security measure was a precaution to safeguard the base's personnel and assets.
Response and Measures:
Security Enhancements: All non-essential personnel were sent home to minimize potential risks, while essential operations continued with heightened security protocols. The base implemented advanced surveillance and counter-drone measures to detect and neutralize any unauthorized aerial activities.
Investigation: The alert was prompted by intelligence from a foreign service suggesting preparatory actions for a likely Russian act of sabotage against the NATO base, possibly involving the use of drones. However, no drones were observed during the heightened alert, and the security level was reduced after 24 hours without incident.
Context and Implications:
This incident is part of a broader pattern of increased security measures at military installations in Germany, amid concerns about potential sabotage and espionage activities attributed to Russian state actors. Similar security alerts have been reported at other bases, reflecting heightened vigilance across NATO facilities in the region.
Conclusion:
The temporary elevation of the security level at Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base underscores the ongoing concerns regarding potential drone-based threats to critical military infrastructure. While no direct evidence of an imminent attack was found during this incident, it highlights the necessity for continued vigilance and robust countermeasures to protect essential defense assets.
Why Are These UAPs or Drones Hard to Track?
Unauthorized drone activities near sensitive military installations have raised significant security concerns. These drones often employ sophisticated techniques to evade detection and complicate interception efforts. Key methods include:
1. "Going Dark"
Drones can operate without emitting GPS or RF signals, rendering them invisible to traditional tracking systems. Advanced navigation technologies enable this capability:
Autonomous Navigation Systems: Drones utilize visual odometry and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) to determine their location and navigate using data from cameras and other sensors, allowing operation without GPS signals.
Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs): Equipped with accelerometers and gyroscopes, IMUs help drones maintain stability and navigate based on acceleration and angular velocity data, supporting autonomous flight without external signals.
2. Small Radar Cross-Sections
Drones are often constructed with materials and designs that minimize their radar signatures, making detection challenging:
Lightweight Materials: Use of materials like plastic and styrofoam reduces radar visibility, as these materials reflect less radar energy.
Design Considerations: Smaller drones with minimal metallic components have lower radar cross-sections (RCS), allowing them to blend into background clutter such as birds or weather anomalies.
3. Mobile Launch Points
Operators deploy drones from various mobile platforms, enhancing operational flexibility and complicating detection:
Vehicle-Based Launch Systems: Platforms like the Tular system enable drones to be launched and recovered from moving vehicles, including trucks and ships, facilitating rapid deployment and relocation.
Stabilized Launch Platforms: Systems such as those developed by STABLE provide gyro-stabilized platforms for drone take-off and landing on moving vehicles, ensuring operational stability in dynamic environments.
These advancements in drone technology pose significant challenges for traditional detection and countermeasure systems, necessitating the development of more sophisticated surveillance and defense mechanisms to protect sensitive airspace.
Why Not Just Shoot Them Down?
Addressing unauthorized drone incursions near sensitive areas is complex due to several factors:
1. Legal Restrictions
Jurisdictional Limitations: In the United States, federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have limited authority to engage drones unless they pose an imminent threat. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized that current laws restrict the ability to shoot down drones, even in cases of unauthorized airspace breaches.
Property Rights and Airspace: In the United Kingdom, shooting down a drone over private property is illegal. Such actions can lead to charges under the Air Navigation Order 2016, which prohibits endangering an aircraft.
2. Safety Concerns
Risk of Collateral Damage: Discharging firearms to neutralize drones in urban or populated areas poses significant risks. Falling debris from a downed drone can cause injury or property damage. Additionally, stray bullets may endanger bystanders or damage infrastructure.
Aviation Safety: Engaging drones near airports or flight paths can inadvertently threaten manned aircraft, exacerbating safety hazards.
3. Escalation Risks
Unintended Consequences: Without clear identification of a drone's operator, neutralizing it could lead to diplomatic or legal repercussions, especially if the drone is state-operated or part of an authorized operation. This uncertainty necessitates caution to avoid escalating conflicts or violating international laws.
These complexities underscore the need for comprehensive policies and advanced counter-drone technologies to effectively manage unauthorized drone activities while mitigating legal, safety, and geopolitical risks.
Could These Objects Be UAPs or Something Else?
Recent sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) have exhibited characteristics that challenge conventional drone technology, prompting discussions about their origins and capabilities. Key observations include:
Silent Propulsion
Lack of Acoustic Signatures: Many UAPs operate without producing detectable noise, even when performing maneuvers that would typically generate significant sound in known aircraft. This silence suggests propulsion systems beyond current technological understanding.
Unusual Shapes
Diverse Configurations: Witnesses have reported UAPs with unconventional shapes, such as floating brains, boomerangs, and flying jellyfish. These forms deviate from standard aerodynamic designs, raising questions about their origin and purpose.
Non-Human Technology
Government Disclosures: Former Pentagon officials have acknowledged the existence of materials and technologies not attributable to any known human source. Luis Elizondo, former director of the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), has indicated that some UAPs exhibit capabilities beyond current human engineering.
Scientific Investigations: NASA's Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Independent Study Team has been established to examine UAPs from a scientific perspective, aiming to understand their nature and origins.
Advanced AI-Driven Drones
Autonomous Navigation: Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have enabled drones to navigate without relying on GPS or external signals. Techniques such as visual odometry, Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), and inertial measurement units (IMUs) allow drones to operate independently, reducing their electronic footprint and making detection more challenging.
Operational Autonomy: AI-powered drones can execute complex missions without human intervention, utilizing onboard sensors and machine learning algorithms to adapt to dynamic environments. This capability enhances their effectiveness in various applications, including surveillance and reconnaissance.
The convergence of these factors—silent propulsion, unconventional designs, potential non-human origins, and AI-driven autonomy—complicates efforts to identify and understand UAPs. Ongoing research and technological advancements are essential to unravel the mysteries surrounding these phenomena and to develop appropriate responses to potential challenges they may pose.
Could These UAP Objects Be Non-Human Technology or UAP?
While many of these aerial objects are likely advanced drones or surveillance tools from adversarial nations, some sightings exhibit characteristics that challenge conventional explanations. This has led to increasing speculation about the possibility of non-human technology—a theory supported by recent government investigations into UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena). Whistleblowers like David Grusch, a former U.S. intelligence official, have testified about alleged retrieval programs involving "non-human origin" craft, adding weight to this hypothesis.
One framework for evaluating UAPs involves the "Five Observables", characteristics that describe behaviors beyond known human technology:
Instantaneous Acceleration:
Many UAPs display the ability to accelerate or decelerate at extreme speeds without visible propulsion systems, a capability that far exceeds current drone or aircraft technology.Hypersonic Velocity Without Signatures:
UAPs are often observed traveling at speeds greater than Mach 5 without generating heat trails, sonic booms, or other signatures associated with high-speed flight.Low Observability:
These objects can evade radar and electronic tracking systems, often blending seamlessly into their environment. This aligns with reports of drones at RAF Lakenheath and Naval Weapons Station Earle being difficult to track, even with advanced systems.Transmedium Travel:
Some UAPs are reported to move seamlessly between air, water, and space, defying the limitations of current propulsion technology. While none of the recent sightings explicitly involve water or space transitions, the erratic movements and silent operation of these objects could hint at similar advanced capabilities.Anti-Gravity or Lift Mechanisms:
UAPs often lack visible means of lift, such as wings, rotors, or exhaust trails, yet remain airborne with apparent ease. Witnesses at locations like Langley AFB and Staten Island noted silent propulsion and hovering behaviors that may align with this observable.
These characteristics make the possibility of non-human technology a topic of serious consideration among military and scientific communities. Whether these objects represent adversarial drones, experimental technology, or probes from an unknown origin, their presence continues to challenge our understanding of aerial capabilities and airspace security.
Conclusion: A Global Concern
From the swarms of drones over New Jersey and RAF Lakenheath to the mysterious objects near HMS Queen Elizabeth, these incidents underscore significant vulnerabilities in airspace security. While some are likely advanced surveillance tools, others defy explanation, fueling speculation about non-human technologies.
Both British and American forces have deployed advanced counter-drone technologies to address these incursions, including radar systems, visual surveillance, and electronic disruption tools. The British Army utilized systems like ORCUS, designed to jam drone communications and force unauthorized UAVs to land. Despite these efforts, many drones evaded capture or identification, likely due to sophisticated tactics such as "going dark" (ceasing GPS and RF transmissions) or using pre-programmed autonomous flight paths that bypass real-time control.
Additionally, the absence of Remote ID—a system requiring drones to broadcast their identity and location—further hindered tracking efforts. While Remote ID mandates are being implemented in countries like the U.S., enforcement gaps and the use of drones without compliance capabilities make it difficult to link these objects to their operators, leaving their origins and intentions shrouded in mystery.
As governments worldwide invest in counter-drone measures and seek international collaboration, one thing is clear: the skies above critical installations remain contested, mysterious, and far from secure. Until these mysteries are resolved, the question remains—what are we really dealing with?
