FBI Investigates Mysterious ‘Car-Sized’ Drones Flying in Formation Over New Jersey

Multiple sightings of large, mysterious drones flying in formation during nighttime hours have triggered an FBI investigation in New Jersey, leaving residents unnerved and authorities searching for answers, reports NBC News.

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Late Night Aerial Activity Raises Concerns

Residents in Morris and Somerset Counties, approximately one hour west of New York City, have reported witnessing what appears to be large-scale unmanned aircraft operating in coordinated patterns throughout the night. Video footage captured by local witnesses shows multiple lights moving in a distinctive V-formation, with some descriptions suggesting the drones are roughly the size of cars.

“We’re all completely unnerved,” reported one resident. “I didn’t sleep last night… I would get up and look out my window at 2 AM, 4 AM – they were still hovering. I got up at 5:30 this morning and they were still there. As the sun was starting to rise, they went back in the same direction they came from.”

Law Enforcement Response

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office and local prosecutor’s office have issued statements acknowledging the situation, while emphasizing there’s currently “no indication that they’re a threat to the public.”

hile the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has primary jurisdiction over airspace violations, the FBI’s involvement likely stems from potential national security concerns, particularly given the drones’ proximity to sensitive infrastructure and their unusual characteristics.

READ MORE: MEDEVAC HELICOPTER DIVERTED DUE TO MYSTERY DRONES IN NEW JERSEY

Law enforcement officials are still working to determine the exact size of these unmanned aerial vehicles, noting that while they appear larger than typical consumer drones, the precise dimensions remain unclear. The investigation aims to identify the launch location and operators of these aircraft.

Strategic Location

The case has drawn particular attention due to the drones’ proximity to several sensitive areas. The activity has been concentrated near Morris County Airport, various military installations, and Bedminster, New Jersey, home to Trump’s golf course. The region’s closeness to the New York City metropolitan area adds another layer of security concern to the mysterious flights.

DroneXL’s Take

This drone incident highlights growing concerns about unauthorized drone operations in sensitive airspace. While the technology behind these apparent large-scale drones is intriguing, the case underscores the critical importance of drone security and regulatory compliance. The coordinated nature of these flights and their proximity to strategic locations raise questions about potential gaps in drone detection and monitoring systems.

Share your thoughts on these mysterious drone sightings in the comments below. Have you witnessed similar aerial activity in your area?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


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Haye Kesteloo
Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo is a leading drone industry expert and Editor in Chief of DroneXL.co and EVXL.co, where he covers drone technology, industry developments, and electric mobility trends. With over nine years of specialized coverage in unmanned aerial systems, his insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, and cited by The Brookings Institute, Foreign Policy, Politico and others.

Before founding DroneXL.co, Kesteloo built his expertise at DroneDJ. He currently co-hosts the PiXL Drone Show on YouTube and podcast platforms, sharing industry insights with a global audience. His reporting has influenced policy discussions and been referenced in federal documents, establishing him as an authoritative voice in drone technology and regulation. He can be reached at haye @ dronexl.co or @hayekesteloo.

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One comment

  1. The drones, coincidentally equipped with port and starboard running lights probably belong to some geeks driving around in a van and laughing their asses off.

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