Mysterious drones hovering over New Jersey's skies have sparked concerns among residents and local officials, leading to revelations about classified military operations.
According to Daily Mail, uncovered documents show the Army awarded a $50 million defense contract in 2018 to develop drones capable of creating 3D maps of urban areas for counter-terrorism purposes.
The contract was given to Maryland-based Robotics Research through the Army's Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal in Rockaway, New Jersey.
This location coincides with where residents first reported seeing mysterious drones in November 2024. The program focuses on developing autonomous unmanned systems with advanced sensing technologies for weapons integration and underground communications.
Military Testing Raises Public Concern
The Federal Aviation Administration issued an air restriction alert on November 21, prohibiting flights over the Picatinny base through December 26 for "special security reasons." This timing aligns with the drone sightings that began on November 18. The restriction covers a two-mile radius below 2,000 feet but allows exceptions for national defense, law enforcement, and other authorized operations.
Retired CIA Intelligence Officer Rudy Ridolfi explained that the FAA notice indicates US drone testing is occurring in the area. He noted that while the exact nature of testing remains unspecified, it likely involves reconnaissance payload testing. The timing and location of these activities have raised questions about government transparency.
Matt Sloane, founder of drone consulting firm AI Skyfire, suggested the sightings could be linked to contractor development work for the Department of Defense. He explained that the military often conducts initial testing in secure locations before moving to public areas for more advanced trials.
White House Position and Expert Analysis
The White House maintains that the drone sightings are not connected to foreign adversaries or US military operations. This position aligns with the Department of Defense's ability to deny involvement with third-party technologies when they are placed on secure tech lists for contract disclosures.
Drone expert Sloane pointed out a key detail that supports the theory of authorized testing rather than foreign surveillance. As he noted:
If I were a foreign adversary wanting to spy on things, I probably wouldn't have red and green lights on my drone.
The situation bears striking similarities to drone sightings in Colorado from 2019 to 2020, which were later confirmed to be part of Air Force counter-drone exercises. Local officials documented 17 confirmed and unconfirmed drone sightings over Picatinny Arsenal between November 13 and December 10, 2024.
Mystery Unfolds As Evidence Emerges
The controversy has intensified as Morris County became ground zero for initial sightings, prompting 21 mayors to demand action from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The base's strategic importance as a weapons development facility supporting Ukraine has amplified security concerns.
A Picatinny Arsenal spokesperson has denied direct involvement, stating that the sightings are not the result of any Picatinny Arsenal or DEVCOM Armaments Center activities. However, the spokesperson's careful wording leaves room for contractor activities.
The White House has attempted to downplay concerns by noting that over one million drones are legally registered in the US, suggesting many sightings could be attributed to hobby craft, airplanes, or even stars.
Behind The Classified Curtain
The mysterious drone appearances over New Jersey have revealed complex layers of military contracting and testing protocols. While official sources maintain distance from the sightings, documentary evidence points to authorized drone development activities in the region.
The convergence of the $50 million defense contract, FAA flight restrictions, and eyewitness accounts suggest a coordinated testing program operating under strict security protocols. As investigations continue, the balance between military research needs and public transparency remains a central point of discussion.
