Officials at the Northern United States Command (Northcomb) told the senators that some of the 350 drones that flew through military facilities and sensitive areas last year could be monitored.
General Gregory Guillott, commander of Northcomb and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), was questioned about the drones during the Senate Armed Services Committee's budget hearing on Thursday.
Drones were found flying across the country last year, especially in New Jersey. They also flew military facilities, including joint bases Langley, Wright Patterson Air Force Base and Vandenberg Space Force base.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) asked Gillot about the threats unmanned aerial vehicles pose to military operations, facilities and staff.
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“The main threat I see in the way they operate, Senators, is detection and perhaps monitoring of our sensitive capabilities in our installations,” Guillott said. “Last year, 350 detections were reported at military facilities, which was 350 at a total of 100 facilities of all types of security levels.”
He confirms that base commanders in sensitive locations such as nuclear bases have the authority to protect airspace from drone intrusions, and those specific military sites are about half of those run by the US. He added that it occupies the
Cotton surprised that it only has about half of the base that has the ability to protect itself from drones.
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General Gregory Guillott said the Senate Committee drones flying through military facilities last year were monitoring. (US Senate)
He said base commanders at all US bases have the ability to protect the ground if terrorists drive dump trucks at the main gates of military facilities.
Cotton also reportedly was allowed to use explosively equipped drones against the US Border Patrol at the southern border last week.
He asked Gilott if the Department of Defense needed permission to share information with the Department of Homeland Security and other Border Patrol agencies regarding drone intrusions, and was told that.
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Photo taken on Sunday, December 8th, 2024 in the Bayshore section of the Toms River, which looks like a large drone hovering in the New Jersey highlands. I'll allow it. (Dughood/Asbury Park Press)
Gillot advocated for an expansion of military capabilities when it comes to drones, particularly in regards to protecting bases and allowing data on drones to be seamlessly exchanged with other government agencies.
White House press chief Karoline Leavitt told reporters later last month that the drone that saw it flying in large quantities across New Jersey was “certified by the FAA for research and various other reasons.” .
In addition to those approved by the FAA, the numbers increased as other drones were spotted flying by enthusiasts and curiosity about the phenomenon grew, the White House said.
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White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt will speak at a briefing at the White House on Wednesday, February 12th. (AP/Evan Vucci)
“This wasn't an enemy,” Levitt said.
The sightings of drones in November and December originally raised public concerns and attracted the attention of the FBI.
“The Newark, New Jersey, New Jersey, and the Department of Homeland Security and Preparation will report to the public any information related to recent sightings of drones that may be flying in several areas along the Raritan River. We are looking for it,” the FBI statement on December 3rd attracted attention.
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The Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary flight restrictions after numerous sightings banning drone flights through parts of New Jersey.
Chris Pandolfo from Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
