Drone flyovers over nuclear power plants have exploded in recent days, sparking serious concerns. Between Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, the number of reported drone incidents at these facilities nearly doubled in just a single week. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) confirmed that, by Dec. 17, there were 26 reports of drones flying over nuclear plants, up from 15 in the previous months.
In the past, drone flyovers at nuclear facilities were rare, but this recent surge has raised alarms. The Salem Nuclear Power Plant in New Jersey, one of the locations affected, reported drones in its airspace on Dec. 14. While drones have been spotted across the country, New Jersey has seen a particularly high number, raising questions about whether these incidents are linked to a larger, coordinated effort.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has responded by banning drone flights over certain areas, including some nuclear plants, as a safety measure. These Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) were put in place to prevent drones from flying too close to critical infrastructure like nuclear plants. The FAA issued restrictions for New Jersey’s Salem and Hope Creek Generating Stations and other vital locations in New York. These restrictions last until mid-January and could be extended if the situation worsens.
Despite the rise in drone sightings, there is no clear indication that these events are connected to a specific threat or attack. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal agencies have said there’s no evidence to suggest these drones are being used for malicious purposes. Still, the uptick in sightings is troubling, especially when drones are capable of gathering information about plant security or even carrying small payloads that could cause damage.
Drone sightings have been increasing over the years, but the jump in December is especially notable. In 2019, the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona experienced a series of drone flyovers, which led to fears about potential attacks. Since then, the issue of drones near nuclear plants has been on the radar of security experts and government officials.
The increase in drone activity comes amid a broader wave of drone sightings across the country. Military installations, power plants, and other key infrastructure sites have also been targeted by mysterious drones. In fact, the FBI has warned the public about the dangers of taking matters into their own hands by using lasers or shooting at drones. In some cases, pilots of aircraft have reported being struck by lasers, adding to the growing tension around these unexplained aerial intrusions.
The cause of the recent surge in drone sightings is still unclear. While some suspect that it may be related to the broader trend of drone activity around military and energy infrastructure, it’s uncertain whether there’s a deeper connection. As the situation develops, security agencies are continuing to monitor the skies, and more updates will follow.
For now, the rise in drone flyovers near nuclear plants has highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the growing need for tighter security measures. Authorities are taking action, but with the number of drone sightings on the rise, it remains to be seen whether more drastic measures will be needed to keep these areas safe from aerial threats.
