Dayton, OH – Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was temporarily shut down for several hours this weekend due to the presence of unidentified drone activity. The closure occurred on Friday night into early Saturday as small unmanned aerial systems were spotted near the military installation, raising concerns among officials.
The drone sightings are part of an ongoing and mysterious trend in several states, including New Jersey and New York, where clusters of suspected drones have been observed flying at low altitudes over civilian and military areas. Despite growing concern, very little information has been disclosed about the origin or purpose of these drone-like objects.
Officials have reassured the public that military installations have the ability to detect and respond to potential drone threats. Additionally, security personnel are well-trained to identify and manage such incidents.
The FBI has previously stated that the drones are not affiliated with the U.S. military and are not believed to be linked to foreign governments. Despite these assurances, questions about the drone activity remain unanswered, fueling bipartisan concerns about national security. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to deploy advanced detection systems like the Robin Radar System, which uses 360-degree detection technology to monitor drone activity. Schumer emphasized that this technology could enhance the chances of identifying these aerial systems.
“We’re asking the Department of Homeland Security to deploy special detection systems like the Robin, which have a much better chance of detecting these drones,” said Schumer. “We’re asking DHS to bring them to the New York and New Jersey area.”
Back at Wright-Patterson, officials confirmed that no damage, injuries, or threats to personnel or assets resulted from the drone activity. Robert Purtiman, Public Affairs Chief at Wright-Patterson, stated that the drones varied in size and shape but posed no immediate danger.
While the shutdown meant that no aircraft could enter or leave the base during the four-hour closure, officials remain vigilant and committed to monitoring the situation as investigations into the drone sightings continue.
