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US Military Boosts Counter-Drone Capabilities at New Jersey Bases
The Pentagon has recently announced its initiative to enhance counter-drone technology at two military installations in New Jersey, responding to increasing incidents of unauthorized drone activity in the vicinity. Among the systems deployed is the Dronebuster, a hand-held electronic warfare device designed to disrupt drone operations.
This month, the military confirmed sightings of drones around Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle, as well as multiple incidents at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, where drone activity led to the base’s airspace being temporarily closed. A spokesperson from the Joint Staff remarked that while drone incursions are not a new challenge, some of the recent encounters have been deemed “irresponsible.”
In light of these developments, there have been growing calls for the military to take action against unidentified drones, especially those operating near sensitive installations. The Pentagon clarified that while commanders are empowered to respond if unauthorized drones are involved in suspicious activities, they will refrain from kinetic action unless there is a “clear and present danger.”
Current military installations already possess some capability to counter drone threats; however, officials acknowledge that augmenting these capabilities with advanced technology will bolster their defenses. According to Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, augmented systems will provide both “active and passive detection capabilities” and enhance overall counter-drone readiness at the affected bases.
The Dronebuster device, developed by American company Flex Force, allows users to disrupt drone signals, thus impairing the drone’s operational capabilities. Since its introduction in 2016, it has been adopted by various military branches. The US Army incorporates the Dronebuster into their training regimens, using it alongside advanced systems like the Smart Shooter, which aids users in targeting and tracking drones effectively.
Beyond military use, the Dronebuster serves as a viable tool for security personnel and first responders, enabling them to neutralize drone threats in various situations. The device has evolved over time, gaining increased power and durability for diverse counter-drone applications.
As drone technology becomes more ubiquitous and accessible, maintaining an effective counter-drone strategy is increasingly critical for national security. Low-cost drones have become tools for both hobbyists and malicious actors, with instances of weaponized drones being reported in conflict zones like the Middle East and Ukraine, where they have been employed for surveillance and precision strikes.
The recent drone incidents underscored the ongoing challenges military bases face regarding airspace security, an issue that extends beyond the New Jersey and Ohio regions. Similar concerns have also been reported at US bases abroad, where drones can potentially conduct surveillance on military assets or disrupt operations. The Pentagon is actively exploring enhanced methods to tackle the growing sophistication and presence of unmanned systems.
Ryder emphasized the army’s recognition of the enduring role of unmanned systems in contemporary combat, stating, “They’re a part of modern warfare…we want to ensure we are adequately protecting our forces and addressing national security concerns.”
However, responding to drone threats domestically poses unique challenges. Ryder explained that the operational authorities of the military for tracking and dealing with drone incursions differ significantly within the United States compared to combat environments, where more extensive intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities are permitted.
As drone sightings have surged along the East Coast recently, a range of federal agencies have assessed that many of these occurrences are benign. These include commercial and hobbyist drones, law enforcement-operated devices, and even aircraft misidentified due to optical illusions, like stars. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby reiterated that no threats to national security or public safety have been identified regarding the drone activity in the Northeast, a sentiment echoed by the FBI and Homeland Security.
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