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GPS World: Unidentified UAVs over Langley AFB raise security concerns

October 16, 2024

News story authored by Jesse Khalil

In an October 15th post at GPS World‘s online presence, that publication is reporting that The Wall Street Journal has reported mysterious UAVs spotted surveilling some of America’s most sensitive military sites, leaving the Pentagon struggling to respond.

These unidentified UAVs have been seen flying over military installations in Virginia and Nevada throughout the past year, including the secret base of the Navy’s elite SEAL Team Six and Naval Station Norfolk, recognized as the world’s largest naval port.

Former U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly told The Wall Street Journal he first became aware of mysterious UAV sightings in December of 2023, when officials at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia reported seeing dozens of UAVs flying over the base at night.

The source of these UAVs remains unknown, leaving officials puzzled about whether they were operated by sophisticated hobbyists or, potentially, by Russia or China. The complexity and coordination of the flights suggested a level of sophistication beyond civilian drone operations, according to the Wall Street Journal’s original report.

The U.S. military faced significant challenges in addressing this threat. Federal law restricts the military’s ability to shoot down UAVs over bases unless they pose an immediate threat. Aerial snooping does not qualify as a threat, though some lawmakers hope to give the military greater leeway to address these challenges in the future.

The sightings ended on Dec.23, 2023, with authorities still unsure of the UAVs’ origin or who controlled them.

To read the entire GPS World news entry, please access this direct link…

Filed Under: Business & Finance

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