TMZ reports that Langley Air Force Base, located in southeastern Virginia on the Chesapeake Bay, “swarmed” for weeks by mystery drones, leading to a comprehensive investigation by the U.S. military.
According to TWZ, at Langley Air Force Base, the drone swarms seen varied in their numbers, sizes, and formations, indicating the presence of different kinds of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Even though the drones weren’t aggressive, their appearance in restricted airspace could jeopardize flight safety. As TWZ notes, the USAF’s primary worry isn’t an imminent attack but rather the chance of security hazards, like potential surveillance or testing of defense capabilities.
The reaction included sending out specialized assets like NASA’s WB-57F high-altitude research aircraft, emphasizing the importance of having tools to monitor or respond to drone activities.
Observers had not detected the presence of the drones, but they had certainly taken note of the abrupt escalation in military operations within the vicinity.
Located in southeastern Virginia, Langley Air Force Base is officially part of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, which also includes the US Army’s Fort Eustis. The base hosts F-22 Raptor stealth fighters, playing a crucial role in supporting NORAD and NORTHCOM’s missions to safeguard the US homeland, including the defense of the nation’s capital, Washington, DC.
In recent times, there have been numerous instances of unidentified drones swarming US military bases, critical infrastructure, and even nuclear power plants. For instance, US warships in the Pacific encountered drone swarms multiple times between 2016 and 2021.
So far, no country has claimed responsibility for these drone activities. However, last year, there was an incident where a Chinese spy balloon was spotted floating over the United States, leading to allegations of Chinese espionage against the US.
