Drones are buzzing around US military bases, even forcing one to close its airspace: Reflect a growing problem.

*Drone Activity Forces Temporary Airspace Closure at US Military Base

A US military base in Ohio temporarily closed its airspace over the weekend due to significant drone activity nearby, as confirmed by officials to Business Insider on Monday.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base became the latest military installation to report such incidents, marking a notable disruption to its operations. This situation mirrors challenges faced at civilian airfields, highlighting a rising concern: the increasing prevalence of drones that can surveil military bases or interfere with their operations.

Drones, particularly small quadcopters, are readily available for purchase at relatively low prices. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated their unexpected versatility. In the hands of extremists, spies, or even careless hobbyists, these drones pose a growing threat that the Defense Department is urgently working to address, integrating countermeasures into everyday operations ranging from combat to base security.

Drone sightings near US military bases

In recent weeks, several confirmed drone sightings have been reported near two military installations in New Jersey, along with incidents involving drones near US Coast Guard operations and critical infrastructure. While the Department of Defense has not indicated significant concern, citing a lack of evidence to suggest the drones pose a direct threat, officials have voiced frustration over these activities. One official described the drone operations as “irresponsible.”

Rising Drone Activity Near US Military Bases Raises Aviation Safety Concerns

This recent development aligns with a peculiar trend of suspected drones being observed along the US East Coast. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of drone sightings and unidentified aerial phenomena reported near American military bases, both domestically and internationally.

At Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, small drone activity was detected around the facility on Friday. In response, the airfield management team decided to close the airspace until early Saturday due to “aviation safety concerns,” according to an Air Force spokesperson speaking with Business Insider.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Addresses Drone Incursions

“To date, installation leaders have determined that none of the incursions have affected base residents, facilities, or assets,” said Bob Purtiman, chief of public affairs for Wright-Patterson, in an interview with Business Insider.

“We are implementing all necessary measures to protect Wright-Patterson and its residents. Our units are actively monitoring the airspace and collaborating with local authorities to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities, and resources,” he added.

The War Zone, a military news outlet, was the first to report on the drone incidents at Wright-Patterson, including an air traffic controller recording that described “heavy” drone activity.

These incidents follow recent drone sightings at other military installations in New Jersey, including Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle, amid a wave of reported drone activity along the East Coast over the past month.

Rising Drone Sightings Near Military Installations Raise Security Concerns

In recent years, there have been multiple sightings of suspected drones and unidentified flying objects around key military installations. Just last week, drones were reported flying above an American base in Germany, while similar sightings have occurred near US operations in the UK and a base in Virginia, among other locations within the United States.

The threat levels associated with these drones vary widely. They are easily accessible to both malicious actors and innocent hobbyists, making it challenging to determine their intent. This accessibility lowers the barrier for aerial surveillance and related activities.

“This has become a significant problem for both military and civilian airfields, and it will only worsen as drone usage continues to grow,” said Mark Cancian, a defense expert and retired US Marine Corps colonel, in an interview with Business Insider. “The presence of drones over sensitive military facilities like Wright-Patterson certainly has national security implications.”

Cancian, now a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that drone activity near civilian airports poses safety risks and can disrupt operations. Such disruptions at major airports can have widespread consequences.

Recently, amid a surge of drone activity along the East Coast, runway operations at a New York airport were temporarily halted. Additionally, there was a reported “hazardous drone operation” incident near a Boston airport over the weekend.

Recently, drone activity has caused significant disruptions along the East Coast, leading to a temporary shutdown of runway operations at a New York airport. Additionally, over the weekend, a “hazardous drone operation” incident occurred near a Boston airport, raising further concerns about air traffic safety. These incidents highlight the growing impact of drones on aviation operations in the region.