Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, one of America’s most vital military installations, faced an unsettling breach of its airspace over the weekend, reigniting concerns about the security of critical U.S. defense facilities.
Mysterious drones buzzed over the Ohio base, forcing the temporary closure of its Class Delta airspace late Friday night and into Saturday morning, The War Zone first reported.
The base, home to the Air Force Research Lab, Air Force Material Command, and the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, is a cornerstone of U.S. military operations. Its cutting-edge research and intelligence missions make it a prime target for espionage or malicious activity.
On the night of December 13-14, 2024, Wright-Patterson AFB experienced significant Unidentified Aerial System (UAS) activity, requiring the closure of Class Delta airspace.
Air traffic control issued warnings and instructions to aircraft, including a medical flight (Med Flight 8), to exercise extreme caution and maintain higher altitudes to avoid the drones.
Yet, according to base spokesman Bob Purtiman, the origin of the drones remains unidentified, and their intentions are officially deemed “not malicious.”
“I can confirm small aerial systems were spotted over Wright Patterson between Friday night and Saturday morning,” base spokesman Bob Purtiman told The War Zone on Sunday.
“Today leaders have determined that they did not impact base residents, facilities, or assets. The Air Force is taking all appropriate measures to safeguard our installations and residents,” he added.
He continued that the drones “ranged in sizes and configurations. Our units are working with local authorities to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities, and assets.”
A Notice To Airman (NOTAM) detailed the temporary closure and highlighted the “heavy UAS activity” in the vicinity per The War Zone.
“Q) ZID/QFALC/IV/NBO/A/000/999/3949N08402W005 A) KFFO B) 2412140400 C) 2412140800 E) WRIGHT PATTERSON CLASS D AIRSPACE CLOSED DUE TO SECURITY THREAT M1133/24 NOTAMN
Q) ZID/QXXXX/IV/NBO/A/000/999/3949N08402W005 A) KFFO B) 2412140403 C) 2412140800 E) CAUTION: USE EXTREME CAUTION; HEAVY UAS ACTIVITY IN KFFO SURFACE AREA”
The following radio exchange between the Wright-Patterson AFB tower and a medical transport aircraft took place during the drone incident.
