TRENTON, NJ – The mystery behind last year’s viral “UFO” sightings across New Jersey may finally be solved. A private defense contractor has reportedly taken credit for the incident, which caused weeks of speculation and nationwide attention after residents spotted strange lights hovering in the night sky.
According to a source who spoke with the New York Post, an employee from the company admitted the unexplained aerial display was the result of a covert drone test.
NEW: Private contractor takes credit for last year's New Jersey drone pandemonium that captured the country's attention for weeks on end.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 18, 2025
The company made the admission, according to a source who spoke with the New York Post.
"You remember that big UFO scare in New… pic.twitter.com/rl10Wvx5PF
“You remember that big UFO scare in New Jersey last year? Well, that was us,” the employee allegedly told the outlet.
Key Points
- Private defense contractor reportedly responsible for 2024’s New Jersey “UFO scare”
- Company was conducting a classified drone capability test under a government contract
- Aircraft recently showcased at an Army technology conference, according to reports
The lights that stopped traffic
The incident, which unfolded over several nights, sparked widespread speculation across social media and news outlets after videos showed clusters of bright lights moving in formation over parts of the state. The unexplained activity led to reports of possible UFOs, drawing attention from national media and even federal aviation authorities.
At the time, state and federal officials offered no clear explanation, fueling the online frenzy.
Secretive test tied to government contract
The Post reports that the company responsible for the display was flying advanced drones over New Jersey to “test out their capabilities.” Because the work was tied to a “private government contract,” the firm was allegedly not required to publicly disclose its operations.
No government agency has publicly confirmed the company’s involvement or the nature of the project, though the aircraft has reportedly been demonstrated at a recent “high-powered Army conference.”
Lingering questions about oversight
The revelation adds a new twist to the months-long mystery and raises questions about transparency and public safety during classified aerial testing over populated areas.
Neither the Federal Aviation Administration nor New Jersey state officials have commented on the report.