Multiple Drones Breach Airspace Over Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey

Officials at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck, New Jersey, confirmed multiple instances of unidentified drones entering their restricted airspace, further escalating concerns over a wave of drone activity in the region. While authorities stress that no direct threats have been identified, calls for federal action are growing as sightings persist, reports ABC News.

Unidentified Drones Near Sensitive Military Installation

The U.S. Navy base, which stores and maintains weapons for the fleet, reported “multiple instances” of unauthorized drones breaching its airspace. Bill Addison, Public Affairs Officer for the naval station, issued a statement addressing the incidents:

“While no direct threats to the installation have been identified, we can confirm multiple instances of unidentified drones entering the airspace above Naval Weapons Station Earle. The base remains prepared to respond to any potential risks, leveraging robust security measures and advanced detection capabilities.”

The Navy did not disclose when the incursions occurred, but the confirmation aligns with growing reports of unusual drone activity across northern New Jersey, particularly in Morris, Somerset, and now Monmouth County.

New Jersey Senator Witnesses Drones Firsthand

Sen. Andy Kim, a vocal advocate for federal intervention, visited Hunterdon County this past week and personally observed the drones. Kim described seeing “dozens of drones in a two-hour period,” echoing the concerns of residents and urging transparency:

“People deserve answers. We don’t need conspiracy theories or conjecture. We need assurances that the people charged with keeping us safe are on top of this issue.”

Kim’s push for answers follows a letter sent by senators Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Booker, and Kim himself to federal agencies demanding immediate investigation. The letter cites concerns about drones operating near “critical infrastructure and sensitive locations, including reservoirs and military installations.”

Federal Response and White House Reassurance

Les White House addressed the drone sightings during a press briefing. National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby attempted to downplay fears:

“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus.”

Kirby emphasized that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI are actively investigating and working with state and local law enforcement to track the drones’ origins. However, residents and local officials remain skeptical, particularly as the sightings persist without explanation.

Growing Pattern of Global Drone Incursions

The incidents in New Jersey highlight a troubling pattern of drone incursions near critical infrastructure and military facilities worldwide. Here is an updated list of recent drone activity:

• New Jersey, USA (November–December 2024): SUV-sized drones were spotted near military installations and reservoirs, sparking federal investigations. Read more
• Southern California, USA (November 2024): Large drones described as car-sized were seen hovering silently over San Diego County and Temecula. Read more
• Virginie, USA (December 2023): Drone swarms appeared over Langley Air Force Base, raising national security concerns. Read more
• United Kingdom (November 2024): Unauthorized drones flew over U.S. military airbases, including RAF Lakenheath. Read more
• Stockholm, Sweden (November 2024): A drone dropped paint on the Russian Embassy, escalating diplomatic tensions. Read more
• Waikiki, Hawaii, USA (August 2024): A classified Drone sous-marin linked to DARPA was discovered off the coast. Read more
• Ramstein, Germany (December 2024): Unidentified drones were spotted over the U.S. Air Force base at Ramstein and sensitive industrial sites. Read more

National Security Implications

The drone incursions near Naval Weapons Station Earle underscore the challenges posed by unauthorized drone activity. Advanced detection and counter-UAS systems remain critical as military installations face increasing vulnerability from unidentified aerial vehicles.

Despite White House reassurances, the lack of clear answers is fueling public anxiety. As Senator Kim put it:

“It’s hard for people to feel secure when there are unexplained drones flying overhead.”

Until federal investigations yield definitive results, the question remains: Who or what is behind these mysterious drone sightings, and what are their objectives?

Additional Context: DroneXL Coverage of Global Drone Incidents

Photo courtesy of the US Navy.