Recently, mysterious drones flew over the highly restricted airspace of Langley Air Force Base in Virginia for 17 consecutive nights in December 2023. These unidentified drones raised concerns as they lingered above the base, which is home to advanced US fighter jets like the F-22 Raptors.
Gen. Mark Kelly reported that the drones, suspected to be from Russia or China, flew at high speeds and altitudes, sparking speculation about their origins. Despite suspicions, these drones did not adhere to standard commercial drone frequencies.
Lawmakers debated the legality of shooting down the drones, given the potential threats they posed to national security. The US military’s inability to track these drones led to concerns, with local police attempting unsuccessful pursuits.
An unexpected discovery linked the drone sightings to a University of Minnesota student, creating a stir. The student’s actions led to charges of espionage, marking an unusual case involving drone technology under US law.
The incidents underscore the growing concerns of national security threats from unidentified aerial vehicles, prompting enhanced surveillance and security measures at critical defense installations.