Numerous drone sightings across the Northeast have sparked concern among residents and officials, with a military expert suggesting a domestic origin for the aircraft. Col. William Dunn, president of Strategic Resilience Group, believes the larger drones, some reportedly up to six feet in diameter, are likely originating within the U.S. due to the difficulty of undetected international airspace incursions.

Dunn, a 33-year Marine Corps veteran and attack helicopter pilot, points out the logistical challenges of operating such large drones, highlighting the need for refueling, which would likely occur within the country. He also emphasized the robust air defense identification zone on the East Coast, making unauthorized entry difficult. His experience with a swift response after a minor airspace infraction during his military service underscores the effectiveness of existing monitoring systems.

While the larger drones raise concerns about domestic operations, Dunn acknowledges the possibility of smaller drones being deployed from external sources for specific purposes, potentially surveillance related to chemical, biological, or radiological threats. He suggests these drones might be used to intercept communications, particularly given concerns about terrorist threats.

Dunn also highlighted the potential national security implications of these incidents, noting that the apparent inability to identify and address the drone activity exposes vulnerabilities that could be exploited by adversaries. He specifically mentioned the substantial threat posed by Iranian drones.

While shooting down drones poses a risk to civilians due to falling debris, Dunn suggests using non-kinetic methods to disable the drones by disrupting their electrical systems. Meanwhile, Raj Goyle, CEO of intelligence firm Bodhala, sees a silver lining in the bipartisan efforts to address the issue, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and clarity on jurisdictional responsibilities.

Despite numerous reports, the FBI maintains there is no evidence of a national security threat or foreign involvement, suggesting some sightings may be misidentified aircraft. Federal agencies are continuing to investigate the situation, urging the public to report any suspicious activity.