NORAD admits unpreparedness for 2024 drone sightings

U.S. military officials have raised concerns about mystery drones that were spotted over military bases last year. General Gregory Guillot from NORAD said the situation caught them "by surprise." Over 5,000 drone sightings were reported to the FBI in late 2024, leaving lawmakers frustrated due to a lack of clear explanations. The sightings caused alarm among the public and government, especially since some drones were seen flying over sensitive military installations. Speculation arose that foreign actors, particularly from China, might be involved. Despite these worries, the Biden administration attempted to calm fears by stating that the drones posed no threat. In a recent interview, General Guillot explained that military efforts were focused abroad, which affected their ability to detect and track drone activities at home. He acknowledged that international drone operations may have drawn attention away from potential threats in the U.S. During congressional hearings, officials confirmed that they had not identified any specific individuals or groups responsible for the drone sightings. The FBI's Robert Wheeler Jr. stated that the investigations were ongoing. However, in January, the White House clarified that many of the drones were approved research flights by the FAA and were operated by hobbyists. Since then, reports of drone sightings have decreased. The White House continues to assert that these drones are not a security threat.