Drone Activity Prompts Airspace Closure At US Air Force Base

A Taiwan Air Force C-130 aircraft takes off at Hsinchu Air Base in Hsinchu

Drone activity caused officials to close airspace over one of the United States’ most critical Air Force bases for almost four hours late Friday and early Saturday, according to a base spokesperson and a Notice to Airmen posted on a federal website.

The airspace at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio was restricted for approximately four hours as authorities monitored the situation. The drones, referred to as “small unmanned aerial systems,” were being monitored by base units. Installation leadership confirmed that none of the incursions impacted base residents, facilities, or assets.

This incident is part of a series of mysterious drone sightings, primarily in the Northeast, raising concerns among residents and officials. Similar drone sightings have been reported near other military installations and critical infrastructure like reservoirs.

No impact on base residents, facilities, or assets reported during the incident.

Drone activity led to airspace closure at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Mysterious drone sightings near military installations and critical infrastructure are a growing concern.

Drone activity near US military sites has also been observed overseas, with British air bases used by the US Air Force reporting drone incursions. Investigations into the origin of these incursions are ongoing, with officials emphasizing that there is no evidence suggesting a security threat.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, located near Dayton, Ohio, is home to critical US Air Force commands, including the Air Force Research Lab and Air Force Materiel Command. The base also hosts the National Air and Space Intelligence Center and the headquarters of the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group.

The base, sprawling over 8,000 acres, is one of the largest maintained by the Air Force worldwide, employing over 38,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel. It is also the largest single-site employer in Ohio.

Officials are urging the public to report any suspicious drone activity to local law enforcement or security. Recent drone sightings have led to increased scrutiny, with experts suggesting that many reported sightings may be misidentified manned aircraft or natural objects.

The Department of Homeland Security and local law enforcement are actively investigating the reported sightings to determine the nature of the aircraft involved.