Mysterious Drone Swarm Spotted Over Picatinny Arsenal, Prompting Multi-Agency Investigation

Multiple unauthorized drones were reported flying over the U.S. Army’s Picatinny Arsenal and surrounding areas in Morris County, New Jersey, on November 18, 2024, triggering a coordinated response from military, state, and federal authorities. The incident has sparked significant concern among local residents and security experts alike, reports The War Zone.

Military Response and Official Statements

Picatinny Arsenal spokesman Timothy Rider confirmed the incident, stating:

“We received reports of what were believed to be drones flying over Picatinny Arsenal, in addition to other locations in Morris County…on the evening of November 18, 2024.”

The facility, which houses the Joint Center of Excellence for Guns and Ammunition and other critical armament development organizations, was quick to clarify that no authorized UAV operations were conducted that evening.

Scale of the Incident

The drone activity reported through social media and witness accounts suggests a substantial operation. Initial reports indicated at least five large drones in operation, with some witnesses claiming to have seen up to twelve drones flying in formation. The activity reportedly continued for over two hours, with multiple jurisdictions reporting simultaneous sightings across the region.

Coordinated Investigation Efforts

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has issued a joint statement announcing a comprehensive investigation that brings together numerous agencies. The collaborative effort includes the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the County Office of Emergency Management, local municipal police departments, and both federal and state law enforcement partners.

“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morris County Office of Emergency Management, Morris County municipal police departments, along with our federal and state law enforcement partners, are aware of this activity, and will continue to coordinate, monitor and investigate the drone activity,” officials stated in their release.

Real-Time Response and Tracking

As the situation unfolded, New Jersey State Police deployed aviation units to track the mysterious aircraft, while an Army Black Hawk helicopter was dispatched for aerial surveillance.

The @NJerzyFireAlert X account reported drones “flying from the Somerset County border northward and back,” as local law enforcement established monitoring positions throughout the affected area.

Conflicting Official Assessments

The investigation has produced some contradictory findings from various agencies. The Federal Aviation Administration’s assessment contradicted initial reports, stating they “looked into the reports and did not find evidence of drone activity in the area.” However, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that officers on patrol observed drone activity, though they emphasized there was “no known threat to public safety.” Adding another perspective, Dover Police Department’s Sgt. Boris Sanchez noted that “as of Tuesday afternoon, his agency has not received any reports about drones flying in the area last night or early this morning.”

Nearby Drone Operations

Approximately 25 miles north of Picatinny Arsenal, authorized unmanned aircraft operations were ongoing to combat a forest fire along the New Jersey-New York border. New York State Police spokesman Beau Duffy provided clarity on their involvement, stating:

“New York State Police is the only agency authorized to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems on the New York State side of the wildfire… We don’t have any evidence that our UAS have crossed into New Jersey.”

Public Safety and Communication

In addressing public concerns, local authorities have emphasized the importance of verified information while working to manage speculation.

“This joint statement is being issued in response to rumors about the drone activity spreading on social media. We encourage the public to be mindful that what they read online may not be accurate,” the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office stated.

Historical Context and Growing Concerns

The incident at Picatinny Arsenal follows a series of similar events at other military installations, including recent drone incursions at Langley Air Force Base. These occurrences have heightened concerns about unauthorized surveillance at critical infrastructure and growing drone-based security threats to military facilities nationwide.

DroneXL’s Take

This incident represents a critical intersection of drone security challenges and military installation protection. Similar to recent drone incidents at airports, it highlights the urgent need for sophisticated drone detection systems and clear protocols for responding to such incursions. The deployment of military assets and coordination between multiple agencies demonstrates the evolving nature of aerial security threats and the complexity of protecting sensitive installations in an era of accessible drone technology.

The incident raises important questions about current drone detection capabilities, regulatory enforcement, and the balance between civilian drone use and national security concerns. As drone technology continues to advance, incidents like these underscore the need for more robust security measures and clearer protocols for handling unauthorized drone activities near sensitive locations.

Share your thoughts in the comments below: How should authorities balance the growing commercial drone industry with the security needs of military installations? Have you witnessed similar drone activity in your area?