Drones are buzzing around US military bases, even forcing one to close its airspace. They reflect a growing problem. (Wright-Patterson was closed briefly)

By Free Republic | Created at 2024-12-19 12:50:43 | Updated at 2024-12-19 15:52:07 3 hours ago

Drones are buzzing around US military bases, even forcing one to close its airspace. They reflect a growing problem. (Wright-Patterson was closed briefly)
msn.com/Business Insider ^ | Jake Epstein

Posted on 12/19/2024 4:48:15 AM PST by RoosterRedux

A US military base in Ohio briefly closed its airspace heading into the weekend after small drones were spotted in the area, officials confirmed to Business Insider on Monday.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is the latest military installation to report drone activity in its vicinity, though, unlike some of the others, it actually interfered with operations.
...

Drones, especially small quadcopters, can be easily purchased for a few hundred dollars, and as the war in Ukraine has shown, they are surprisingly versatile. In the hands of an extremist, spy or even a careless enthusiast, these systems pose a threat the Defense Department is scrambling to counter as it increasingly factors them into day-to-day operations, from battle to base security.

Within the past few weeks, there have been multiple confirmed drone sightings near two military installations in New Jersey, as well as reports of drones near US Coast Guard operations and critical infrastructure. The Department of Defense hasn't expressed great concern, saying it doesn't have evidence the drones are a threat, but it has expressed frustration over this activity. One official called the activity "irresponsible."
...
Wright-Patterson hosts the Air Force Research Laboratory, the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing, and the 445th Airlift Wing, as well as other units. The base and its two lengthy runways make it a key installation for the US military.

The Air Force spokesperson said that, in general, depending on the facility, there could be many military aircraft taking off and landing. Some of the sites also host sensitive assets, making it a risk for operators to fly small drones in the vicinity. Drones don't have to be malign to be a problem.

(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...

TOPICS: News/Current Events; US: Ohio
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As far as I know, the following is still accurate about this situation:

According to base spokesman, the drones "ranged in sizes and configurations."

Specific details about their appearance, capabilities, or origins have not been disclosed, and the individuals or entities responsible for operating these drones remain unidentified.

The exact number of drones observed over Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has not been specified.

The airspace over Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was reopened after the drones left the area. The base closed its airspace for about four hours late Friday into early Saturday due to drone activity. Once the drones were no longer present, normal operations resumed.

1 posted on 12/19/2024 4:48:15 AM PST by RoosterRedux

To: Openurmind; Churchjack; eastforker; Levy78; maddog55; Jonty30; GingisK; Mark17; spirited irish; ...

2 posted on 12/19/2024 4:48:49 AM PST by RoosterRedux (Emerson (paraphrased): "If you strike at the king, don't fail." The Democrats failed. )

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