The Department of Defense (DOD) has reiterated that the recent surge in reported drone sightings, particularly in areas like New Jersey and New York, are not linked to U.S. military operations. The Pentagon believes these unmanned aircraft are most likely operated by hobbyists for recreational use.

Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder addressed reporters' questions on Tuesday, emphasizing that the drones are neither DOD assets nor part of any experimental initiatives. He highlighted that over a million drones are registered in the U.S., with an estimated 8,500 airborne on any given day. Most of these are used recreationally or commercially for tasks like architecture, engineering, farming, or law enforcement.

While acknowledging the possibility of malicious drone activity, Ryder stressed it's not the norm. He stated that drone flights near military installations are not unusual given the sheer volume of drone activity and that such incidents are taken seriously.

Ryder also dismissed the notion that the drones were related to a designated corridor for testing unmanned systems. He confirmed with the Joint Staff that the observed drones were not part of any military exercises or experiments. He further dispelled rumors linking the sightings to large black monoliths, referencing science fiction to lighten the discussion.

Recent drone sightings have been reported near sensitive locations, including Trump’s Bedminster golf club and military research facilities like Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle. Ryder assured that the DOD is enhancing security measures at military installations, enabling them to better detect, identify, and track airborne objects. He underscored the importance of adapting to the increasing presence of unmanned systems in modern warfare to safeguard national security.

These upgraded security measures could involve both active and passive detection systems, as well as tools like "Drone Busters" which disrupt drone signals non-kinetically. Ryder confirmed the DOD's commitment to protecting its forces and national security in the face of evolving technological threats.