Authorities in New York and New Jersey are investigating numerous reports of drones flying over the region, causing growing concerns among residents and officials.
The NYPD, equipped with a fleet of 109 drones and a specialised unmanned aerial systems (UAS) program, could join the efforts to track and evaluate these unexplained sightings, according to the New York Post.
NYPD drone operations and capabilities
The NYPD has been deploying Skydio X10 drones as part of its Drone as First Responder pilot program. These drones, equipped with night vision and adaptable platforms, assist in responding to emergencies such as 911 calls, missing children, and critical incidents like building collapses or fires, according to the New York Post.
While the NYPD has not disclosed whether its drones have weaponized capabilities, the Skydio X10 manufacturer markets the devices as “combat-ready” with defense-oriented features, including long-range observation. The drones do not currently use facial recognition technology, the department confirmed.
In a recent case, the NYPD used drones to locate a four-year-old girl hanging from a fourth-floor Bronx window, showcasing their effectiveness in emergencies.
Mysterious drone sightings raise security concerns
A surge of unidentified drones has been reported across New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and upstate New York since November 18. Residents and authorities have observed large, fixed-wing UAVs with wingspans of up to eight feet, some of which were seen trailing a US Coast Guard vessel, as reported by the New York Post.
In one notable incident, Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy attempted to track one of these mysterious drones using his department’s industrial-grade UAV.
As per the New York Post, the sheriff described how his team was unable to keep up with the drone, which “easily evaded” their efforts. The drones, which are capable of swift maneuvering, have no heat signatures, making them even harder to detect using traditional tracking methods.
Rich McHugh, a reporter who witnessed the drones, said they appeared to be large, fixed-wing aircraft with multiple lights. “If this is not our military, then it’s even more scary,” McHugh remarked, adding to the growing sense of unease surrounding the unidentified aircraft.
Speculation regarding the origin of these drones includes theories of foreign adversaries deploying UAVs for surveillance. However, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby dismissed such fears, suggesting many sightings could involve misidentified manned aircraft.
The incursions are under investigation by the Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes NYPD detectives, FBI agents, and state officials. However, the FBI has not provided additional comments regarding the case.
The surge in unexplained drone sightings has left residents uneasy and heightened concerns about public safety. Authorities across 12 New Jersey counties and beyond are working to address the issue.
The presence of advanced, elusive drones raises questions about national airspace security and the potential need for stricter regulations or counter-drone measures.
As this investigation goes on, local and federal agencies continue to monitor the situation closely to determine the origins and intent of these mysterious aircraft.