Drones in New Jersey are 'friendly': FAA drone pilot | NewsNation Prime

Summary

In this interview, Mike, an FAA drone pilot and founder of Gargoyle Systems, discusses recent drone sightings in New Jersey. He suggests the drones are likely part of military or government testing operations, possibly linked to national security. Drawing on examples from military conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza, Mike highlights the role of drones in modern warfare and warns about the vulnerabilities in national infrastructure, such as power grids. He also emphasizes the failure of communication between government agencies and the public, urging better systems to avoid panic and confusion over rising drone activity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Initial analysis suggests that the drones sighted could be friendly rather than hostile, possibly part of government or military testing.
• 😀 The sightings of drones starting from November 25th to December 4th were linked to Notice to Air Missions (TAMS) originating from the Warren Air Force Base in New Jersey.
• 😀 Drones are being used for positive purposes, such as surveillance for bomb threats or nuclear situations, and may even be part of larger global military efforts like in Ukraine and Gaza.
• 😀 The failure of communication between governments and agencies has created confusion and panic regarding the drone sightings.
• 😀 A recent incident involved 50 drones appearing off the Atlantic Ocean, which sparked concern. However, the possibility exists that these were military drones or part of testing operations.
• 😀 The drones seen were not clearly identifiable as military or commercial, but there is speculation that they may be connected to testing or reconnaissance, particularly by the military.
• 😀 Some of the drones exhibited unusual heat signatures, which raised concerns. However, this phenomenon might not be alarming unless in conflict zones like Ukraine.
• 😀 The drones’ behavior, including an incident where a local drone was drained when near one of the sighted drones, is not necessarily abnormal, though it could signal a feature of military-grade drones.
• 😀 The discussion includes potential risks related to critical infrastructure, such as the vulnerability of power grids and water supplies to drone-based attacks.
• 😀 The ongoing use of drones in warfare, particularly in regions like Ukraine, has raised awareness about the increasing reliance on unmanned aerial vehicles in military conflicts, signaling a shift in modern warfare strategies.

Q & A

What is the initial assumption about the drones seen in the sightings?

The initial assumption is that the drones are friendly, possibly linked to military operations or testing by government agencies like the Air Force.

What is the significance of the term 'TAMS' mentioned in the conversation?

'TAMS' stands for 'Notice to Air Missions' and refers to public listings of confidential flights that are often associated with military testing, such as flights originating from bases like the one in Central New Jersey.

Why might drones be used in testing scenarios, according to the discussion?

Drones could be used in testing scenarios to explore various possibilities, including bomb threats, nuclear situations, or military applications, particularly given the context of global conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza.

How does the speaker suggest the sightings of drones over the Atlantic Ocean should be interpreted?

The speaker suggests that the sightings could be part of a testing operation, possibly related to monitoring the coast or checking for threats, with a potential communication failure being a factor in the confusion.

What might have caused people to mistake airplanes for drones during the sightings?

People may have mistaken airplanes for drones due to a lack of recent awareness of air traffic, as many hadn't been paying attention to aircraft in recent years, leading them to misinterpret what they were seeing.

What is the significance of the heat detection reported by the news correspondent?

The heat detection from the drones is notable because it could be an indication of advanced drone technology. However, the speaker dismisses it as unusual, only expressing concern in the context of military drone warfare like that seen in Ukraine.

What did the person who flew a drone next to one of the unidentified drones report?

The individual reported that their drone was drained of power when it came into close proximity with one of the unidentified drones, which raised questions about whether this was a normal or concerning occurrence.

Is it typical for drones to lose power when near other drones?

No, it is not typical for drones to lose power when near other drones. The speaker suggests that this could be a feature of military drones, particularly in contexts like drone warfare in Ukraine.

What other concerns does the speaker raise regarding drone technology?

The speaker expresses concern about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, such as the power grid and water supply, which could be targeted by malicious actors using drones, especially in light of rising cybersecurity and physical security threats.

What is the broader geopolitical context influencing the use of drones, according to the speaker?

The speaker links the rising use of drones to global conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, where drone warfare has become a significant factor. This context highlights the evolving nature of warfare and the strategic importance of drones in modern military operations.