Unidentified Aerial Incursions
For 17 consecutive days last December, Langley Air Force Base in Virginia witnessed an unprecedented phenomenon. Unidentified drones, resembling constellations, hovered over the base, leaving America’s top security officials scrambling for answers.
Eyewitness accounts
U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly observed the nightly displays, describing the drones as “Close Encounters at Langley.” Despite extensive resources, the military failed to identify or capture these mysterious objects, which flew at approximately 100 mph at 3,000 to 4,000 feet. Observers likened the sound to “a parade of lawnmowers.”
Gen. Glen VanHerck, former commander of U.S. Northern Command, noted that while drones had been previously spotted, the Langley incidents were unprecedented. The situation prompted a series of meetings at the White House, involving the Pentagon and FBI, following a briefing to President Joe Biden.
Proposed solutions fall short
Suggestions to counter the drones, such as deploying nets or jamming signals, proved ineffective. The threat led Langley officials to cancel nighttime training and relocate F-22 fighters. Base residents shared sightings and blurry images on private forums.
Ongoing concerns
The issue resurfaced this month, with new drone swarms spotted near Edwards Air Force Base in California. Officials stated, “None of the incursions appeared to exhibit hostile intent, but anything flying in our restricted airspace can pose a threat to flight safety.”
Investigations led to a University of Minnesota student, Fengyun Shi, whose drone captured images of Navy vessels. Shi, a Chinese national, claimed ignorance of the restricted airspace. Despite suspicions, the FBI found no conclusive links to espionage. Shi has since pleaded guilty, yet the true operators of the drone swarm remain unidentified.
Legislative implications
Current U.S. law restricts military action against drones unless they pose an immediate threat. This incident has sparked calls from Congress for expanded military authority to prevent similar occurrences.