Drones May Be The Newest Threat to Military Security
January 01, 2025
In today’s world drones have become common use. Children enjoy them as toys, while the military enjoys them for surveillance. Drones are remote-controlled, but they can also be flown autonomously using software-controlled flight plans embedded in their systems.
Recently, flying objects have become a threat to the U.S. military. In 2023, a Chinese spy ballon was spotted off the coast of South Carolina over the Atlantic Ocean before it was shot down. The balloon was 200 feet long and carried a payload the size of a regional airliner, according to a U.S. Air Force general. Chinese officials claimed it was a civilian airship collecting meteorological data and that the U.S. needed to return it. However, American officials have their doubts about the balloon’s purpose.
Now, drones have been spotted in several high-security areas such as Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military facility, and President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster Golf Course. The Federal Aviation Administration has temporarily restricted drone flights over these locations, but on Sunday alone there were 49 reported drone sightings. The drones were described as loud, large, and brightly lit with some witnesses even describing them as the size of a small car.
Unfortunately, there is very little information on these drones. The FBI stated, “We understand the concern, and we are doing all we can to figure out what’s going on. We truly don’t have much information to provide at the moment.” The general public has spoken out and insists on less vague answers. Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis commented on a drone video on X, “The FAA, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and NYPD should let the public know what’s going on here”.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has voiced his concern over where these drones are flying. He worries about the intel being captured on military and utility assets; or even the president’s wellbeing. Governor Murphy states the issue is these drones are “very sophisticated, the minute you get your eyes on them, they go dark.”
Although drones are a fascinating new technology, they could become problematic for those who protect our security.