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Authors: Phil Stewart, Kanishka Singh and Sarah N. Lynch
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A spate of drones in New Jersey and other U.S. states has highlighted security gaps in U.S. airspace that need to be closed, President-elect Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, said on Sunday.
The outgoing administration of President Joe Biden played down concerns over the growing number of reported drone sightings, saying most of them involved manned aircraft and stressing there was no evidence of any national security threat.
But US lawmakers, including some of Biden’s fellow Democrats, have expressed frustration that the government is not being more transparent and aggressive in addressing public concerns.
Walz said Americans are increasingly frustrated by the Biden administration’s failure to clarify what information they have about the drone reports.
“What the drone problem points to are some gaps in our agencies, gaps in our authority between the Department of Homeland Security, local law enforcement, the Department of Defense,” Waltz told CBS News’ Face the Nation.
“President Trump talked about the Iron Dome for America,” Waltz said, referring to Israel’s missile defense system. “It should include drones, not just adversary actions like hypersonic missiles.”
Developed with US support, Israel’s Iron Dome is a mobile air defense system designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells that threaten populated areas.
The spate of reported drone sightings began in New Jersey in mid-November, but in recent days has spread to Maryland, Massachusetts and other US states. The sightings attracted media attention and prompted the creation of a Facebook ( NASDAQ: ) page called “New Jersey Mystery Drones – Let’s Solve It” with nearly 70,000 online members.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mallorca defended the US response, saying his agency had deployed personnel and technology.
“If there is any cause for concern, if we identify any foreign involvement or criminal activity, we will communicate with the American public accordingly.” “We are not aware of any at this time,” Majorkas told ABC News.
Jim Hymes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, played down concerns that America’s enemies will send drones over American cities when they can use satellites to safely and easily monitor the US
He said the Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates civil airspace, should do more to ease public concerns.
“When people are upset, when they’re nervous…people will fill the vacuum with their fears and anxieties,” Hymes said.
Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar called on the Biden administration to hold a briefing for senators to explain “what’s going on here.”
“We need more transparency,” Klobuchar said.
She also called for a review of the regulations.
“Because this just can’t be, ‘No one knows why this huge drone is right over their house.’
