Reports of large UAVs near Picatinny Arsenal prompt responses from military, local authorities, and the FAA.
by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb
Mysterious drone activity over Morris County, NJ, earlier this week set social media ablaze and garnered comments from local government officials and military spokespersons aimed at assuaging public fears.
On the evening of November 18, 2024, reports emerged of several large UAVs hovering around towns in northern New Jersey. Further concern was raised due to the UAVs proximity to Picatinny Arsenal, a large military installation in the area, leading to a response that reportedly included a Blackhawk helicopter.
The military installation is home to several important armament development organizations, including the Joint Center of Excellence for Guns and Ammunition, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center, and one of the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC)’s research and development laboratories.
In an email sent to the War Zone, a military-focused publication, facility spokesman Timothy Ryder said, “Picatinny Arsenal organizations were not involved in UAV flight operations on that date. We are working with several of our local, state, and federal partner organizations to obtain more information on the reported activity.”
A further statement was released by the Morris County Prosecutor’s office, additionally promising an investigation while reassuring the public.
“Last night, November 18, 2024, drone activity was observed by law enforcement members on patrol in Morris County. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morris County Office of Emergency Management, Morris County municipal police departments, along with our federal and state law enforcement partners, are aware of this activity, and will continue to coordinate, monitor, and investigate the drone activity. There is no known threat to public safety.”
At the same time, an FAA statement actively dismissed claims of unusual drone activity in the area.
“The FAA looked into the reports and did not find evidence of drone activity in the area,” the FAA said. “The agency shared the information about the reports with federal security partners.”
According to information posted to the state of New Jersey’s website, drones are allowed in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but users must abide by FAA regulations (including requiring FAA certification for pilots) and flight restrictions that local governments set.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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