A private aerial contractor has reportedly taken responsibility for the mysterious drone sightings that sparked widespread public concern in New Jersey last year, according to reports. The unnamed company demonstrated a unique aircraft at the U.S. Army’s UAS and Launched Effects Summit at Fort Rucker in August, with an employee confirming the group’s involvement during a post-demonstration conversation. “You remember that big UFO scare in New Jersey last year? Well, that was us,” the employee stated, as reported by the outlet.
The company claimed it conducted the activity under a private government contract, which exempted it from disclosing details about its operations. The demonstration occurred at a high-profile Army conference, where footage showed a roughly 20-foot, four-winged aircraft flying just above tree lines, drawing attention from soldiers on the ground. A military veteran and drone expert described initial confusion, noting the object’s unexpected movements and “uncanny valley feeling” as it silently traversed the sky.
The New Jersey sightings began in mid-November 2024 over the Picatinny Arsenal Army base, with reports persisting into December. Attendees at Fort Rucker’s conference were required to obtain administrative approval for their activities, though no details about the aircraft’s components were disclosed. A source emphasized strict oversight of equipment, stating, “Somebody was 100% in charge of coordinating that.” The admission follows months of public speculation and fear over the origins of the unidentified flying objects.