Quick Info
From mid-November 2024 through early 2025, a wave of mysterious drone-like objects appeared over critical infrastructure, military bases, and sensitive sites across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, the United Kingdom (RAF bases), and Germany (Ramstein, Manching). Witnesses described large, silent, coordinated lights, often in groups, that operated exclusively at night, hovered for extended periods, moved with precision, and showed no navigation lights or audible engines.
The sightings prompted temporary FAA flight restrictions, counter-drone deployments, congressional briefings, and widespread public concern. Official statements repeatedly emphasized "no immediate threat" and "no foreign nexus," yet many observers remain convinced the events were far more significant and unexplained.
The United States: New Jersey Becomes Ground Zero
The phenomenon first captured national attention in **mid-November 2024** in **New Jersey**, particularly around Morris County and the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. Army research and manufacturing facility for advanced munitions and weapons systems.
November 13–18, 2024: The First Reports
Local police and residents near Picatinny Arsenal began reporting clusters of large, bright objects moving in coordinated patterns. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed it was investigating multiple sightings. Witnesses described objects up to 6 feet in diameter, flying without lights, sometimes in groups of 5–20, hovering for extended periods or moving at speeds inconsistent with consumer drones.
"They were huge, silent, and just hanging there in the sky. No sound at all. It felt like they were watching us."
– Resident near Picatinny Arsenal (November 2024)
November 19–25: Rapid Spread
Sightings exploded across New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Hunterdon, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Warren counties) and into New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Videos from Bernardsville showed several objects in formation. Reports now included coastal areas, reservoirs, rail stations, police departments, electric transmission lines, and even Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf course.
December 3–5: Viral Videos & Flight Restrictions
Multiple videos went viral showing objects in formation. The FAA imposed temporary flight restrictions over 22 areas in New Jersey and 30 in New York (including NYC and Long Island). Naval Weapons Station Earle confirmed multiple unauthorized drone entries. The FBI, DHS, FAA, and DoD issued a joint statement: no immediate threat, no foreign nexus, many reports misidentified aircraft or authorized drones.
December 10–13: National Expansion
Sightings reached Ohio (Wright-Patterson AFB temporarily closed airspace), Virginia, and other states. NORAD and USNORTHCOM acknowledged hundreds of unauthorized incursions over U.S. military sites since 2022, with a significant spike in 2024.
"These weren't hobby drones. They were too big, too quiet, and flying in patterns that looked deliberate."
– New Jersey resident (December 2024)
Late December 2024 – January 2025: Tapering & Lingering Questions
Reports gradually decreased, but the events left a lasting impact. The White House, FBI, and DoD maintained no evidence of foreign involvement or national security threat, yet local officials and residents continued to express frustration over the lack of transparency.
The United Kingdom: Targeting U.S. Air Bases
While the U.S. East Coast wave dominated headlines, a parallel series of incursions occurred over four U.S.-operated Royal Air Force bases in eastern England , all hosting sensitive U.S. Air Force assets.
November 20–26, 2024
Small unmanned aerial systems were repeatedly spotted over and around:
- RAF Lakenheath (F-35A and F-15E squadrons)
- RAF Mildenhall (air refueling, special operations)
- RAF Feltwell (intelligence and logistical support)
- RAF Fairford (strategic bomber operations)
U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Africa confirmed sightings; no mission impact reported, but bases entered heightened security posture. Witnesses and base security described coordinated, low-flying objects operating in restricted airspace. Some reports suggested objects "targeted" a police helicopter over Lakenheath, requiring evasive maneuvers.
"They came in groups, flew patterns around the perimeter, then disappeared. It was like they were mapping the base."
– Security personnel at RAF Lakenheath (anonymous)
Germany: Ramstein and Industrial Sites
The wave reached U.S. and NATO facilities in Germany, raising fears of espionage amid heightened Russia-Ukraine tensions.
Early December 2024
Multiple sightings over **Ramstein Air Base** (headquarters for U.S. Air Forces in Europe and NATO Allied Air Command) on evenings of December 3–4. U.S. Air Force confirmed "several" small UAS sightings; no impact on operations, but close coordination with German authorities.
Additional reports near Rheinmetall (defense manufacturer) and BASF (chemical giant) facilities in Rhineland-Palatinate. German security services launched an investigation; authorities ruled out amateur operators, focusing on possible state-sponsored activity.
January 2025
Bavaria reported 10+ drones over Manching Air Base (aircraft testing site) in one night; suspicions linked to Russia-Ukraine conflict.
"They hovered directly over the runway lights for minutes. No sound. Then they just vanished."
– Ramstein-area resident (December 2024)
Common Characteristics Reported Across All Locations
Despite the geographic spread, reports shared striking similarities:
- Nighttime activity (dusk to midnight)
- Large size (some estimated 6+ ft diameter)
- Silent or very low noise
- No visible navigation/strobe lights
- Coordinated flight patterns, hovering for extended periods
- Proximity to military bases, nuclear-related sites, power plants, airports, reservoirs, rail hubs
- No hostile action (no collisions, jamming, or weapons discharge)
Official Responses & Investigations
United States , FBI, DHS, FAA, DoD, NORAD, and White House conducted joint reviews. Over 5,000 tips received by mid-December 2024. Temporary flight restrictions over 50+ sites. Repeated statements: no immediate threat, no foreign nexus, many sightings misidentified aircraft/helicopters/authorized drones. Advanced counter-drone tech (acoustic sensors, radar + heat + camera systems) deployed in New Jersey.
United Kingdom , MoD and USAFE activated counter-drone measures; joint U.S.–U.K. monitoring. No public confirmation of origin.
Germany , Federal and state police/security services investigated; Ramstein incidents treated as potential espionage. No public attribution.
Legacy in 2026
As of February 17, 2026, the 2024–2025 drone wave remains unresolved. No definitive attribution has been made public. The events left a lasting imprint on public consciousness, defense planning, and calls for better airspace monitoring, counter-drone legislation, and transparency.
Whether hobbyist prank gone viral, covert surveillance operation, or something more unusual, the sightings highlighted vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure protection and reignited interest in unexplained aerial phenomena.
Key Videos and Eyewitness Footage from Red Panda Koala and 60 Minutes
Check out Red Panda Koala YouTube for more
Official Responses & Investigations
United States , FBI, DHS, FAA, DoD, NORAD, and White House conducted joint reviews. Over 5,000 tips received by mid-December 2024. Temporary flight restrictions over 50+ sites. Repeated statements: no immediate threat, no foreign nexus, many sightings misidentified aircraft/helicopters/authorized drones. Advanced counter-drone tech (acoustic sensors, radar + heat + camera systems) deployed in New Jersey.
United Kingdom , MoD and USAFE activated counter-drone measures; joint U.S.–U.K. monitoring. No public confirmation of origin.
Germany , Federal and state police/security services investigated; Ramstein incidents treated as potential espionage. No public attribution.
Legacy in 2026
As of February 17, 2026, the 2024–2025 drone wave remains unresolved. No definitive attribution has been made public. The events left a lasting imprint on public consciousness, defense planning, and calls for better airspace monitoring, counter-drone legislation, and transparency.
Whether hobbyist prank gone viral, covert surveillance operation, or something more unusual, the sightings highlighted vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure protection and reignited interest in unexplained aerial phenomena.
I can remember clearly watching multiple live streams and then hearing the US military had no idea were the "drones" went boggled my mind. But, to be honest with you, the fact these multiple mass events happened and we've seemingly memory-holed them already says quite a lot. Disappointing, to say the least.
