WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Lloyd Austin regarding the ongoing drone sightings across the Eastern United States over the past several weeks.

In the letter, Senator Blackburn requested more information on the DOD’s assessments of the drone sightings, what counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems are currently deployed to address these threats, and how the DOD is coordinating with federal, state, and local authorities.

Drone Sightings Appear to Be Part of Broader Foreign Surveillance Pattern of U.S. Activity

“I write to urgently raise concerns regarding the ongoing drone sightings across the Eastern United States, which have been widely reported over the past several weeks. These incidents, which seem to involve clusters of drones appearing near critical infrastructure and sensitive areas, represent a growing threat to our national security that demands immediate and serious attention. The reports of drone activity appear to be part of a broader pattern of foreign surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts, including the 2023 Chinese spy balloon incident and the recent Chinese-backed Salt Typhoon hack targeting our telecommunications networks. These actions demonstrate a clear willingness from adversarial nations to utilize unconventional technologies to surveil, gather intelligence, and intimidate.”

Blackburn Urges DOD to Take Clear and Immediate Action to Send a Strong Message to Any U.S. Adversaries Seeking to Undermine National Security

“The persistence of credible sightings indicates a significant and evolving risk. The drone sightings across the East Coast should be viewed within this context as part of an ongoing, multidimensional threat to our national security. I strongly urge the Department of Defense to take all necessary steps – up to and including military action – to ensure the protection of our airspace and the security of the American people. A clear and immediate response will not only mitigate the current threat but also send a message to any foreign power seeking to undermine the security and safety of the United States.”

Click here for the full text of the letter.