A series of drone sightings in New Jersey and other U.S. states has highlighted vulnerabilities in U.S. airspace security that need to be addressed, said Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump’s appointee for national security adviser, on Sunday.
President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration is reassuring everyone about the recent increase in reported drone sightings. They pointed out that most of these sightings involve manned aircraft and emphasized that there isn’t any evidence to suggest a national security threat. So, there’s no need for alarm! But U.S. lawmakers, including several of Biden’s fellow Democrats, are firmly expressing their frustration with the situation.
Representative Waltz expressed that many Americans are becoming frustrated with President Biden’s administration for not providing clear information regarding the drone reports. He stated, “The drone issue highlights gaps in our agencies and the authorities between the Department of Homeland Security, local law enforcement, and the Defense Department,” during an interview on CBS News’ Face the Nation.
“President Trump has proposed the idea of an Iron Dome for America,” said Waltz, referring to Israel’s missile defense system. “This should also include drones, not just protection against threats like hypersonic missiles.”
Developed with support from the U.S., Israel’s Iron Dome is a mobile air defense system designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells that pose a danger to populated areas.
Reports of drone sightings began in New Jersey in mid-November and have recently spread to Maryland, Massachusetts, and other states across the U.S. These sightings have attracted media attention and led to the creation of a Facebook group called “New Jersey Mystery Drones – Let’s Solve It,” which has nearly 70,000 members.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that they have deployed resources to investigate but currently see no evidence of foreign involvement.
Top Democrat Jim Himes downplayed the threat from drones, emphasizing the use of satellites for monitoring, while Senator Amy Klobuchar called for a briefing to ensure transparency and review regulations regarding drone use.