Unidentified drones were observed flying over Langley Air Force Base in Virginia for 17 days in a row in December, raising concerns among US military officials, reports The War Zone website.
This incident follows other recent drone-related security concerns, particularly in Europe. In July 2024, unidentified drones were regularly observed flying over a secret German military base where Ukrainian soldiers were receiving combat training. The drones reportedly were suspected to be part of Russian efforts to monitor and potentially demoralize Western support for Ukraine.
The incident in Virginia, reported to President Joe Biden, has left authorities uncertain whether hostile powers or hobbyists conducted the flights.
“The number of UASs [uncrewed aerial systems] fluctuated and ranged in size and configuration. None of the incursions appeared to exhibit hostile intent, but anything flying in our restricted airspace can threaten flight safety,” the US Air Force reported, according to The Telegraph.
According to the Wall Street Journal, General Mark Kelly of the US Air Force witnessed the drone activity. The unmanned aircraft reportedly flew around 100mph at 3,000 to 4,000 feet. Witnesses described the sound as resembling “a parade of lawnmowers.”
The incursions prompted two weeks of meetings at the White House involving officials from the Pentagon. However, current federal law limits the military’s ability to take action against drones over military bases unless they pose a direct threat.
This incident follows other recent drone-related security concerns in the West. Two years ago, Norway deployed warships and fighter jets to patrol offshore oil platforms after suspected Russian drones were observed in the area.
Additionally, in February of the previous year, the US shot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon that had flown over a major missile silo.
In response to growing drone threats, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced an expansion of the Replicator program, which aims to develop attack drones for use against China and to defend US bases from explosive-laden drones linked to Iran-backed groups.
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