Ohio’s Major US Air Force Base Sees Increase in ‘Drone Incursions’ This Week

On Tuesday, a significant U.S. Air Force base in Ohio, which was momentarily closed due to drone sightings over the weekend, announced that it had received “additional” reports of “drone incursions” this week.

Recently, lawmakers in New Jersey have expressed concerns regarding a series of drone sightings in the state, with some officials urging the federal government to provide a more robust response to the situation. Federal representatives have stated that these drones do not pose a threat, asserting that many sightings were of “lawful” aircraft or natural phenomena such as planets or stars. However, there has been minimal evidence to support these claims.

In a statement emailed to The Epoch Times on Tuesday evening, a Wright-Patterson Air Force Base spokesperson confirmed that “small unmanned aerial systems were spotted in the vicinity of and over” the base’s “Area A and Area B” during the evening and early morning hours of December 16 and 17.

“Installation leaders have determined that none of the incursions impacted base residents, facilities, or assets,” the statement indicated. “The Wright-Patterson AFB airspace was not affected by the incursions.”

The spokesperson noted that the number of drone “systems” reported has varied, encompassing different sizes and configurations. Additional information regarding the recent sightings or the potential for another closure of the base was not disclosed.

“Our units continue to monitor the airspace and are collaborating with local law enforcement and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities, and assets,” the statement elaborated.

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Individuals who observe anything suspicious or unusual are encouraged to report their observations to local law enforcement or the base’s security team.

During the previous weekend, Wright-Patterson was temporarily closed, as reported by a spokesperson to The Epoch Times earlier. In that instance, “small unmanned aerial systems were spotted in the vicinity of and over” the installation between December 13 and 14, which prompted the temporary closure, according to the spokesperson.

The reported drones did not disrupt base residents, assets, or facilities, and base officials are collaborating with local law enforcement to safeguard the Air Force base, which accommodates the 88th Air Base Wing.

Nevertheless, the majority of recent drone reports causing concern have originated in New Jersey, as stated by local officials. In one such instance, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) disclosed last week that he was informed by U.S. officials that drones had been trailing a U.S. Coast Guard unit in recent days, questioning the federal claims that the drones represent no threat.

Kirby informed reporters that U.S. officials have conducted “detection and then analysis.”

“We’ve corroborated the sightings,” he stated.

“And in every case we’ve examined to date, we have found nothing that indicates a public safety risk.”

To support Kirby’s assertions, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy informed reporters in Trenton that drone-detection systems have yielded “little to no evidence” of any actual threat. The governor refrained from providing specifics about the detection technology but mentioned it was sufficiently powerful to disable the drones.

In light of suggestions to shoot down the drones, the Homeland Security Secretary mentioned in an interview on Sunday that federal authorities lack the jurisdiction to take action against unmanned aerial vehicles. He also stated that these drones have not been associated with any foreign government or demonstrated any malicious intent.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.