The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented emergency flight restrictions across New Jersey, prohibiting drone operations until Jan. 17, 2025, for “special security reasons.” Unless operators obtain special government clearance, the directive bans uncrewed aircraft within a one-nautical-mile radius of designated areas and up to 400 feet in altitude.

The FAA designated areas such as Camden, Jersey City, Elizabeth and South Brunswick as “National Defense Airspace.”

Violators may face severe penalties, including interception, detention, certificate revocation and potential criminal charges. In extreme cases, authorities are authorized to use “deadly force” against drones posing an “imminent security threat.”

These restrictions follow a surge in unexplained drone sightings across New Jersey and nearby states that began in mid-November. Federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Defense (DOD), received over 5,000 reports of drone activity.

A joint statement indicated many sightings likely involve lawful drones, law enforcement operations or misidentified objects such as stars.

Still, officials remain vigilant.

Existing flight restrictions for Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal remain active alongside the new measures.

Federal authorities continue to urge residents to report suspicious drone activity, emphasizing national security concerns.

The heightened restrictions come amid reports of mysterious drone activity near U.S. military bases, including facilities located near Chinese-owned farmland. California, Virginia, and Hawaii reported similar incidents, raising concerns about potential espionage and other security threats.

The New Jersey sightings and other national incidents are not linked, but the increasing frequency prompted agencies to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts.