The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued temporary flying restrictions (TFR) in multiple cities across New Jersey until Jan. 17 due to “special security reasons.”
Drones aren’t allowed to fly in what authorities are calling “National Defense Airspace” as state and federal officials continue to investigate the source of the drones. The restrictions say no uncrewed aircraft systems can operate within a nautical miles of the airspace specified in each Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM, including from the ground up to 400 feet. Recreational drones are allowed to operate up to 400 feet, under FAA rules.
The previously issued temporary flight restrictions for Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal remain in place.
In the Greater Meadowlands Region, drones are temporarily off-limits in:
- Clifton
- Jersey City
- Harrison
- Kearny
- Elizabeth
- Bayonne
Across the state, drones are halted in:
- Cedar Grove
- North Brunswick
- Edison
- Sewaren section of Woodbridge
- Metuchen
- Hamilton
- Bridgewater
- Evesham
- Camden
- Gloucester City
- Westampton
- South Brunswick
- Branchburg
- Winslow
- Burlington
- Hancock’s Bride section of Lower Alloways Creek Township
Drones and Sightings
There are more than one million drones lawfully registered with the FAA in the U.S. and thousands of commercial, hobbyist and law enforcement drones lawfully in the sky on any given day, according to the FAA. With the technology landscape evolving, the number is expected to increase over time.
In recent weeks during November and December, the FBI has received in excess of 5,000 reported drone sightings and approximately 100 leads. The federal government is supporting state and local officials in investigating these reports.
“Consistent with each of our unique missions and authorities, we are quickly working to prioritize and follow these leads. We have sent advanced detection technology to the region. And we have sent trained visual observers,” the FAA said in a statement.
Officials Address Drone Sightings Over New Jersey Airspace
Authorities have reviewed technical data and tips from residents regarding recent drone sightings in New Jersey. An analysis of the reports suggests that most involve lawful commercial drones, hobbyist devices, and law enforcement operations, alongside manned aircraft such as helicopters and fixed-wing planes.
Some reports have even mistaken stars for drones. Officials stated that no unusual or unexplained activity has been identified and assured that the sightings pose no national security or public safety threat to civilian airspace in New Jersey or neighboring northeastern states.
Despite these findings, officials acknowledge the concerns expressed by local communities. To address potential risks, federal agencies are providing advanced detection technology and support to state and local law enforcement. Authorities are also urging Congress to pass counter-drone legislation that would expand measures to identify and address any emerging threats in U.S. airspace.
Separately, a small number of drone sightings have been reported near military facilities in New Jersey and other areas, including restricted airspace. The Department of Defense has emphasized that while such incidents are not new, they are taken seriously.
Military commanders are actively working with federal, state, and local law enforcement to monitor airspace and implement detection and mitigation measures to prevent unauthorized activity near sensitive installations.