Sun Mar 16 23:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Mysterious Drone Swarms Plague US Military Bases: A National Security Gap?

**Washington, D.C. – March 16, 2025** – A 60 Minutes investigation reveals a concerning national security vulnerability: a persistent series of unidentified drone incursions over critical US military and infrastructure sites over the past six years. The report highlights a disturbing lack of preparedness and coordination to address this growing threat.

The investigation, featuring interviews with three four-star generals, a senior member of Congress, and a senior Biden administration official, reveals a startling lack of knowledge regarding the origin and operators of these drones. The incidents range from isolated sightings to large-scale swarms, such as the 17-night siege of Langley Air Force Base in December 2023, which forced the relocation of F-22 fighter jets. Similar incidents have targeted naval warships, the Palo Verde nuclear plant, and Plant 42, a facility crucial to the development of next-generation stealth bombers.

General Glen VanHerck, former chief of NORAD and NORTHCOM, emphasized the critical gaps in capability, policy, and law that allow these incursions to occur. The drones’ sophistication—easily purchased online and capable of evading standard radar systems—compounds the problem. Their ability to fly at unconventional altitudes and their potential to carry significant payloads present a significant threat.

The challenges in responding to these threats extend beyond detection. Shooting down drones over populated areas poses substantial safety risks due to the speed and destructive power of necessary weaponry, along with the potential for widespread debris. Jurisdictional issues further complicate matters, involving multiple agencies including local law enforcement, the FBI, the FAA, and the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security.

Retired Air Force General Mark Kelly, who witnessed the Langley incursion, advocates for a single, centralized organization tasked with handling these incidents. The report also explores the complexities of jamming drone communication frequencies, highlighting the potential for disrupting essential civilian services. While attempts were made to jam frequencies during the Langley incident, they proved ineffective.

The military is currently developing “fly-away kits” – pre-packaged counter-drone technologies – to address this vulnerability. These kits, slated for distribution within a year, aim to improve detection capabilities and provide a more effective response to future incursions. General Gregory Guillot, the current commander of NORAD and NORTHCOM, expressed confidence in the progress of this initiative.

The 60 Minutes report concludes with a stark warning: the ongoing drone incursions expose a significant gap in national security, demanding immediate and comprehensive action to protect vital infrastructure and military assets.

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