Ex-DARPA Operator: Drone Sightings May Be a Strategic Distraction

In recent weeks, reports of mysterious drone activity over the U.S., particularly in New Jersey and other East Coast states, have sparked widespread concern and federal investigations. These sightings have prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enforce temporary flight restrictions over critical infrastructure in New Jersey, warning of the potential use of “deadly force” against any aircraft that poses an “imminent security threat.”

Despite these precautionary measures, federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) maintain that most of these sightings are either lawful drone operations or misidentified manned aircraft. Officials assert that no credible evidence has emerged to suggest a threat to national security or public safety.

However, a chilling theory from a former DARPA and U.S. military drone operator, Mike Glover, has added a layer of intrigue to the ongoing debate.

Mike Glover, who boasts extensive experience flying and teaching drone operations, raised alarms during an interview on the Ironclad podcast with former Navy SEAL Andy Stumpf. Glover suggested that the recent drone activity might be part of a covert surveillance operation or a carefully orchestrated distraction.

“In my career, I flew drones, a lot of drones—almost every drone in the inventory. If a foreign adversary was conducting covert surveillance, they wouldn’t be using drones with flashing, illuminating lights,” Glover remarked.

Glover’s concerns extend beyond mere surveillance. He posited that the national media’s focus on the drone sightings could be a diversion from critical geopolitical developments, including escalating tensions in the Middle East and covert U.S. military operations in Syria.

Glover voiced skepticism over the media’s intense coverage of the drone incidents. He noted the unusual alignment of news outlets across the board, all pushing the same narrative and devoting significant airtime to the sightings. This, he argued, raises the question: What are we not talking about?

“Under the Biden administration, Iran is reportedly weeks away from developing a nuclear bomb. That should dominate headlines, but it’s not. Instead, we’re consumed by mysterious drones,” Glover said.

He highlighted an interview with White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby, who emphasized that Iran would not be allowed to achieve nuclear capability under U.S. watch. According to Glover, this looming deadline and the potential for a preemptive strike are far more significant than the drone narrative dominating public discourse.

Glover also pointed to ongoing U.S. airstrikes against ISIS in Syria—operations that receive scant media attention. He noted that these nightly strikes target remnants of terrorist organizations, including factions linked to former ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

“Entire regions in Syria have been taken over by new terrorist groups, but we’re not hearing about it. Instead, we’re focused on drones over New Jersey,” Glover added.

The implication is clear: the drone narrative might be a deliberate effort to divert public attention from escalating military actions and geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

The FAA’s response to the drone sightings has been robust, with temporary flight restrictions in place and a stern warning about the use of force. Yet, these measures have done little to quell public anxiety.

Federal agencies insist that there is no evidence of foreign adversaries using drones for covert surveillance within U.S. borders. However, the lack of concrete explanations for the sightings leaves room for speculation and theories like Glover’s to flourish.

The mysterious drone sightings come at a time of heightened global tensions. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and a shifting geopolitical landscape all contribute to an atmosphere of uncertainty.

Glover’s assertion that these drones could serve as a distraction underscores the importance of scrutinizing what dominates public discourse. Whether deliberate or coincidental, the focus on drones risks overshadowing critical issues that may have profound implications for U.S. national security.

As the drone saga continues to unfold, Glover’s warning serves as a reminder to remain vigilant—not just about the immediate issue but also about the broader context. Are these drones an isolated phenomenon, or are they part of a larger narrative designed to shift attention away from pressing global challenges?

For now, the answers remain elusive, but one thing is certain: the stakes are higher than they appear. Whether dealing with drones or the deeper issues they might distract from, the U.S. must remain prepared for whatever lies ahead.