Report Says Mysterious Drones Were Sighted Around Base for 17 Days

Report Says Mysterious Drones Were Sighted Around Base for 17 Days

Mysterious drones reportedly breached restricted airspace at Langley Air Force Base for 17 consecutive nights, leaving Pentagon officials puzzled and concerned about potential security risks.

At a Glance

  • Unknown drones reportedly flew over Langley Air Force Base for 17 nights in December 2023.
  • Military officials suspect possible espionage by foreign actors.
  • The Pentagon struggled to respond due to safety and legal constraints.
  • Similar incidents were reported at other sensitive military sites.
  • The incident highlights vulnerabilities in US airspace security.

Persistent Drone Activity Baffles Military Officials

According to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, an unknown fleet of drones repeatedly breached restricted military airspace at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia for 17 consecutive night. The incidents have reportedly left Pentagon officials scrambling for answers and questioning the effectiveness of current measures to protect sensitive military installations from aerial intrusions.

According to the report, the drones appeared each night approximately 45 minutes to an hour after sunset, following a precise pattern. One of the unidentified aircraft was described as being 20 feet long, capable of flying at speeds over 100 km/h, and operating at altitudes between 3,000 to 4,000 feet. The size and capabilities of these drones suggest a level of sophistication beyond typical consumer models.

Suspicions of Foreign Espionage

The persistent nature of these alleged incursions has raised serious concerns among military leadership. Former U.S. Air Force General Mark Kelly reportedly told WSJ that it was in December 2023 when he found out about the drone sightings. The timing and precision of the drone flights have raised concerns about Russian or Chinese espionage.

The gravity of the situation reportedly prompted high-level discussions involving the White House, Defense Department, FBI, and the Pentagon’s UFO office. However, finding an effective solution proved challenging due to various constraints and potential risks associated with more aggressive countermeasures.

Limited Options for Defense

Despite the clear breach of restricted airspace, military officials found their hands tied when it came to neutralizing the threat. Federal laws reportedly prevent the outright shooting down of these drones due to safety risks to both military personnel and civilians in the surrounding areas. Additionally, the drones did not pose an immediate threat, further complicating the justification for direct military action.

Alternative methods such as shooting nets or jamming signals were reportedly considered but ultimately not pursued. Concerns about potential interference with critical systems and commercial air traffic led to the rejection of these options. The inability to effectively counter these incursions highlights a significant vulnerability in the defense of sensitive military installations.

Wider Implications for National Security

Similar occurrences have been reported at other critical military sites, including a nuclear weapons experiment site in Nevada, the Navy’s SEAL Team Six base, and Naval Station Norfolk. These alleged incidents underscore a growing challenge to national security and the need for more robust counter-drone capabilities.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports receiving over 100 unmanned aircraft sightings monthly, with more than 400 UAS sightings recorded from July to September alone. This high frequency of drone activity near sensitive areas raises serious questions about the adequacy of current regulations and enforcement measures.

Sources

  1. Report: Mystery drones fly over Langley for 17 days, now DOD is looking to protect aircraft
  2. Mysterious Drones Swarmed US Military Bases For 17 Days, Pentagon Was Not Able To Stop Them: Report
  3. Mystery Drones Swarmed a U.S. Military Base for 17 Days. The Pentagon Is Stumped.
  4. UAS Sightings Report