A series of mysterious drone sightings near a military installation in New Jersey has sparked widespread speculation and concern among local residents.
According to NY Breaking News, newly uncovered documents reveal a $50 million defense contract awarded in 2018 to develop advanced drone technology for counterterrorism purposes, potentially explaining the recent aerial activities around Picatinny Arsenal.
The contract, issued to Maryland-based Robotics Research by the Army's Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center, focuses on creating unmanned aerial vehicles capable of generating 3D maps of urban areas.
These drones are part of a broader program aimed at countering weapons of mass destruction. The timing of recent drone sightings, which began on November 18, coincides with an FAA flight restriction alert issued for the area.
Military Testing Raises Local Concerns
The Federal Aviation Administration implemented a flight restriction zone around Picatinny Arsenal from November 21 through December 26, citing national defense and security reasons. The restriction covers a two-mile radius and extends up to 2,000 feet in altitude.
Despite the White House's assurances that the drones are not part of a military operation, drone expert Matt Sloane suggests these sightings likely involve contractor testing for the Department of Defense.
Security personnel at Picatinny Arsenal have documented 17 confirmed and unconfirmed drone sightings since November 13. The aerial vehicles have been described as having distinctive lighting patterns, including flashing or steady white, red, and green lights. Local officials have responded to growing public concern, with 21 mayors joining forces to demand statewide action.
The presence of position lights on these drones has drawn particular attention from experts. Drone consultant Matt Sloane notes:
If I was a foreign adversary trying to spy on things, I probably wouldn't have red and green lights on my drone.
Historical Pattern Emerges
Similar drone activity was reported in Colorado from 2019 to 2020, where swarms of aerial vehicles were observed near nuclear missile silos. The Air Force later confirmed conducting counter-drone exercises in the area. This parallel suggests a potential pattern in military drone testing procedures across different locations.
Retired CIA intelligence officer Rudy Ridolfi provides insight into the current situation:
This FAA report shows US drone testing taking place in the area. It is a warning to others to stay away from the area during these dates. While the nature of the testing is not specified, it most likely involves testing payloads related to exploration.
The contract specifications outline ambitious goals, including improvements in autonomy, 3D/4D mapping, target identification, and weapon system integration. These capabilities align with the observed drone activities and their potential military applications.
Government Operation Unveiled
The mysterious drone sightings over Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County, New Jersey, have been traced to a classified military development program initiated in 2018. The $50 million defense contract awarded to Robotics Research focuses on creating sophisticated drone systems for urban mapping and counterterrorism purposes.
While official sources maintain a degree of ambiguity about the program, the evidence suggests these aerial activities are part of a legitimate government contractor testing operation. The presence of FAA flight restrictions and the specific characteristics of the observed drones align with documented military development patterns, indicating a controlled testing environment rather than unauthorized surveillance or foreign interference.
