The Pentagon addressed recent concerns on Tuesday regarding mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey, with Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasizing the vast number of drones currently registered and active in U.S. airspace on any given day.
During a Pentagon briefing, Maj. Gen. Ryder provided context to the situation, stating that more than 1 million drones are registered in the United States, and approximately 8,500 drones are in flight daily. Most of these drones, he explained, are used for recreational, commercial, or law enforcement purposes, including activities such as architecture, engineering, and farming.
“Is it possible that some of those drones could be up to malign activity? It’s entirely possible,” Ryder said. “But the vast majority—that is not the case.”
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The comments come as federal agencies, including the White House, FAA, DHS, and FBI, are investigating a recent uptick in drone activity, particularly in New Jersey. Although speculation has surged about potential surveillance or nefarious activity, Ryder urged caution against drawing conclusions without specific evidence.
“In the case of drones flying near or over U.S. military installations, that, in and of itself, given the volume of drone flights we see on a given day, is not something that’s new,” Ryder explained. He emphasized that military commanders have the authority to respond appropriately to potential threats.
When pressed about the possibility of surveillance, Ryder acknowledged it as a plausible scenario but clarified that the U.S. military does not automatically assume malign intentions in every case. “We take all of those seriously. We detect, attend to, classify them, and take appropriate measures,” he said.
READ: FBI Urges New Jersey Residents Do Not Shoot Down Unidentified Drones
The comments from Maj. Gen. Ryder follow mounting concerns regarding drone sightings near sensitive areas, sparking national attention. Despite reassurances, the lack of specific details about the New Jersey incidents has fueled speculation.
Officials continue to investigate the drone activity, while maintaining that the majority of drones in operation pose no threat. Ryder reiterated the Pentagon’s commitment to safeguarding U.S. military assets and responding swiftly to any perceived risks.
The situation remains under close watch as agencies work to determine whether the recent uptick is linked to surveillance or other malign activities.
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