In recent days, a curious and unsettling phenomenon has drawn the attention of residents and authorities in New Jersey: the sighting of large drones flying over residential and rural areas, particularly at night. Witnesses describe devices the size of small cars, with blinking red and green lights, performing unusual maneuvers in the sky. What began as isolated reports has quickly become a widely discussed topic in the region and a growing cause for concern.

The sightings have been particularly frequent in Morris and Somerset counties, which are part of the densely populated New York metropolitan area. Initially, many residents believed they were witnessing ordinary airplanes on regular flight routes. However, the peculiar behavior of the aircraft, such as sudden changes in direction and the ability to hover in midair, quickly ruled out this possibility for the local population.

“You see red and green lights blinking at the edges, and then the object just changes direction, going from 90 to 270 degrees in seconds. Airplanes simply can’t do that,” a resident told CNN, still incredulous about what they witnessed.

Concerns grew even further when the United States Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed that one of its assets had detected the drones during routine operations. This fact reinforced suspicions that the devices might be used for unknown purposes, dismissing the possibility of being mere recreational drones operated by amateurs.

As reports increased, local and federal authorities launched investigations to determine the nature and origin of these drones. The FBI, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, is analyzing videos, photos, and witness accounts to find concrete clues. In a statement issued on December 3, the FBI’s Newark office acknowledged the situation and noted that investigations are ongoing, though no definitive conclusions have been reached so far.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of answers. In a post on the social media platform X, Murphy stated that he had contacted Liz Sherwood-Randall, U.S. Homeland Security Advisor, to discuss his concerns and push for more effective actions from the federal government.

Meanwhile, White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby sought to downplay concerns during a press briefing. Kirby suggested that many of the reported sightings might involve manned aircraft legally operating in the airspace. He also assured that “there is no evidence at this time that the sightings pose a threat to national security or public safety, nor that they have any foreign connection.”

Despite official statements, residents remain skeptical and dissatisfied. “It feels like they’re hiding something from us,” said a local resident. “It’s not normal to see something that big flying so low and moving so fast. We need answers.”

Although the New Jersey sightings involve unusual drones, unmanned aircraft experts point out that devices of this size, while uncommon, do exist and have a wide range of applications.

“There are so many potential uses for these devices that the possibilities are almost limitless,” explained Ryan Wallace, associate professor of aeronautical engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Most people are familiar with smaller drones, often used for aerial photography or leisure. However, larger drones, weighing over 55 pounds, represent another level of technology. William Austin, president of Warren Community College in New Jersey and a pioneer in unmanned aircraft studies, noted that drones of this size require special authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“Cost is another limiting factor. Large, sophisticated drones can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. These are not devices you find on the shelf of an ordinary store. Whoever operates these drones must have a very clear purpose and, generally, significant resources,” Austin said.

Among the most common applications for such devices are:

Commercial Use:

• Agriculture: Drones are widely used for crop monitoring, fertilizer spraying, and collecting data on soil and plant health.
• Infrastructure: Assessing roads, bridges, and buildings, as well as mapping urban and rural areas.

Public Safety:

• Search and rescue operations in hard-to-reach areas.
• Monitoring large events or security operations.

Military Applications:

• Surveillance using traditional cameras or infrared sensors.
• Terrain reconnaissance for strategic operations.

Additionally, larger drones are beginning to be used for cargo transport and even for testing passenger transport, such as the models developed by the Chinese company EHang. However, as Wallace points out, these projects still face stringent regulatory barriers in the United States. “The FAA has extremely detailed protocols for approving drones of this size. If someone were flying a device of this level in national airspace, the authorities would know quickly.”

As the mystery continues, the atmosphere among residents is one of apprehension and uncertainty. Many speculate about the possibility of secret military tests, while others suggest that the drones might be operated by private companies or even foreign entities.

“Authorities need to take this more seriously. It’s not normal to have such large drones flying at night without any explanation,” said a community leader.

The lack of concrete answers, coupled with growing public distrust, has fueled various theories and increased pressure on authorities to provide definitive clarifications. For many, the case of the mysterious drones is a reminder of the rising challenges surrounding airspace regulation and the impact of new technologies on daily life.