The Drone Flap
Between August 2024 to now, numerous unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) incidents, coined as the "drone flap," have been reported across various regions. Notable sightings include:
August 2024
Germany: Unidentified drones were reported over the Brunsbüttel industrial area in Schleswig-Holstein, which houses a chemical park and a nearby nuclear waste storage facility. Officials suspected these drones were conducting reconnaissance missions. thedefensepost.com
November 2024
United Kingdom: Between November 20 and 22, unidentified drones were spotted over three U.S. Air Force bases in Suffolk and Norfolk: RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell. The drones' origins and operators remain unknown.
Manchester Airport, UK: An airline pilot reported observing a spherical UAP hovering above the tarmac. When airport security approached, the object reportedly ascended rapidly into the air.
United States (New Jersey): Starting in mid-November, residents reported numerous sightings of large, unidentified drones flying at night across multiple counties. The drones were often seen near military installations, including the Picatinny Arsenal. Despite investigations, their origins remain unexplained. en.wikipedia.org
December 2024
United States (East Coast): The drone sightings expanded to other East Coast states, including New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Many of these sightings occurred near military bases, raising security concerns. discoveryuk.com
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, USA (December 13, 2024): Unidentified drones prompted the temporary closure of airspace at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Despite monitoring efforts, the origins of these drones remained unknown. nypost.com
January 2025
United States (New Jersey): A local drone pilot experienced a sudden power loss and battery drain while attempting to investigate mysterious drones near the restricted airspace of Picatinny Arsenal. His drone lost control and crashed, while the unidentified drone continued its flight, suggesting potential advanced capabilities of the unknown craft.
These incidents underscore the challenges in monitoring and regulating airspace, especially with the increasing prevalence of drone technology. The lack of identification and the proximity of these drones to sensitive areas have raised significant security and safety concerns among authorities and the public.
December 2024
New Jersey and New York, USA (December 2024): House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul suggested that unexplained drone sightings over New Jersey and New York could be attributed to Chinese spy drones, though official confirmations were lacking. nypost.com
February 2025
Queensland, Australia (February 2025): Residents reported observing a line of lights in the night sky, initially causing a stir. Experts later attributed these sightings to Starlink satellites launched by SpaceX. couriermail.com.au