Department of Defense doubles down, says drones are not US military assets

The Department of Defense (DoD) has reiterated that the increasing number of drones being reported in places like New Jersey and New York are not U.S. military assets. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder addressed the issue during a press briefing, emphasizing that the majority of unmanned aircraft are likely used by hobbyists for recreational purposes.

Ryder stated that there are over a million drones registered in the U.S., with approximately 8,500 drones in flight on any given day. While some drones are used for commercial purposes such as architecture, engineering, farming, or law enforcement, the vast majority are for recreational use. Ryder acknowledged that there is a possibility of drones being used for malicious activities, but stressed that this is not the case for most drones.

Regarding the sightings of drones near military installations in New Jersey, Ryder clarified that they are not U.S. military assets and are not part of any experimental programs. He also addressed questions about a potential testing corridor for drones created a year ago, confirming that the drones were not associated with military operations in that corridor.

Since mid-November, reports of drone sightings have emerged across New Jersey, including locations like Trump’s Bedminster golf club and military research facilities. Ryder mentioned that military facilities like Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle have measures in place to detect, identify, and track objects in their airspace.

Unmanned systems are integral to modern warfare, and the DoD is committed to protecting its forces from national security threats. Ryder highlighted the importance of enhancing detection capabilities on military installations to counter potential drone threats.

In response to rumors linking the drone sightings to large, rectangular, black monoliths reminiscent of \”2001: A Space Odyssey,\” Ryder humorously referenced the iconic line from \”Star Wars: A New Hope,\” stating, “these aren’t the drones you’re looking for.”

The DoD’s efforts to address the surge in drone sightings underscore the evolving landscape of unmanned aerial systems and the need to adapt to emerging security challenges. By leveraging advanced technologies and strategic measures, the U.S. military aims to safeguard its personnel and assets from potential threats posed by drones.