Pentagon Rules Out Security Threats Amid Drone Sightings Across NJ

WASHINGTON DC (ANI) – The Pentagon has dismissed concerns over security threats linked to recent drone sightings in New Jersey, stating there is no risk to national security or public safety.

Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder clarified during a press briefing that the drones in question are not assets of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). “The drones in New Jersey are up and down… they are not DOD assets,” Ryder said.

In recent weeks, a series of drone sightings over New Jersey and other parts of the East Coast has raised public concern. Addressing these fears, Ryder explained that the drones are largely “commercial drones” or those used for “recreational or hobbyist” purposes.

“There are over a million drones registered in the United States, and on any given day, approximately 8,500 drones are in flight,” Ryder said. He noted that while drones could theoretically be involved in malign activity, the vast majority are used lawfully for purposes such as architecture, engineering, farming, or law enforcement.

Ryder emphasized that drones flying near or over military installations are not uncommon given the sheer volume of drone activity nationwide. “In the case of drones flying near or over U.S. military installations, that, in and of itself, is not something new,” he added.

No drones have been identified as posing a national security or public safety risk, Ryder assured. However, he affirmed that appropriate action would be taken if any drones near military installations are deemed a threat.

“We’ll continue to take appropriate action if and when it’s deemed that any of these drones pose a threat. But so far, none of the reported sightings have been assessed as anomalous or presenting a national security or public safety risk,” Ryder said.

He also pointed out that flying commercial drones is legal as long as they stay out of restricted airspace. “As long as you’re flying it appropriately and not in restricted airspace, there’s nothing illegal about it. These sightings likely include a mix of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, law enforcement drones, and even manned fixed-wing aircraft,” he explained.

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