MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Law enforcement officials from Morris and Somerset counties, along with state and federal agencies, are calling on the public to report sightings of drones following recurring reports of large commercial drones operating near the Picatinny Arsenal.
In a joint statement issued Sunday, officials, including Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald, acknowledged public concerns over the activity. They noted that the drones in question are significantly larger than typical recreational models, with some reportedly the size of a small car.
The sightings prompted an immediate no-drone-zone over President Donald Trump’s Bedminster Golf Course.
“Our municipal police departments, in cooperation with the FBI-Newark, New Jersey State Police, and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, are actively monitoring and investigating these incidents,” the statement said. Officials emphasized that while the activity is alarming due to its proximity to the Picatinny Arsenal, there is currently no known threat to public safety.
The Picatinny Arsenal, located in Morris County, New Jersey, is a U.S. Army installation specializing in the research, development, and manufacturing of advanced weapons systems and munitions. Spanning approximately 6,400 acres, the facility plays a critical role in equipping the nation’s military with cutting-edge technology, including explosives, small arms, and precision-guided weapons.
Established in 1880, the arsenal has grown into one of the nation’s premier defense research centers, hosting the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC). It is home to thousands of military personnel, civilian engineers, and scientists working on innovative solutions for national defense.
Its proximity to densely populated areas, along with its high-security projects, makes the site a sensitive location. This underscores why reports of large drone activity near the facility have triggered heightened concern from both local and federal authorities.
The arsenal’s operations focus on developing and testing new weapons and technologies, ensuring U.S. forces maintain a technological edge on the battlefield. It also serves as a hub for collaboration with defense contractors and allied nations, further solidifying its importance in the nation’s defense infrastructure.
The FBI has urged residents with information about the drone sightings to report details by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting them online at tips.fbi.gov. The website also allows users to upload videos of drone activity.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to safeguarding public safety while addressing the potential security implications of the activity. “We will continue to investigate these reports with the utmost seriousness,” the statement read.
