JUST IN: Ohio Air Force Base Confirms Airspace Closure Due to Unidentified Drones

The Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio just confirmed that on Friday night, they had to close off their airspace.

The reason?

“Small unmanned aerial systems” — a.k.a unidentified drones — in the area.

This news comes after we reported earlier that a New York airport also had to close airspace due to the strange drones…

But, don’t worry, folks, I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about!

Listen to the radio call about the mysterious drones between Wright Patterson AFB tower and a medical transport aircraft here for yourself:

NOW THIS! Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio has confirmed the closure of their airspace Friday night due to drones in the area. pic.twitter.com/UMAUHu6knm

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 16, 2024

🚨🇺🇸 MYSTERIOUS DRONES BREACH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIRSPACE

Wright-Patterson AFB confirmed multiple drones of varying sizes flew over sensitive research areas Friday night, prompting an airspace shutdown.

The incident mirrors recent drone activity at Picatinny Arsenal and across… https://t.co/uVJuaz61Ut pic.twitter.com/6ilE3DmFKm

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 16, 2024

🚨#BREAKING: Listen as air traffic controllers Wright Patterson Air Force Base had to temporarily shut down due to unauthorized drone activity in the area
⁰📌#GreeneCounty l #Ohio

Listen as air traffic controllers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Greene County, Ohio,… pic.twitter.com/BxvcXJWOEj

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) December 16, 2024

BREAKING: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio closed its airspace for about four hours from Friday night to early Saturday due to drones

Bob Purtiman, Chief of Public Affairs, referred to the drones as “small unmanned aerial systems”

Base personnel are advising the public… pic.twitter.com/5fzWObAiPM

— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) December 16, 2024

Robert Purtiman, Chief of Public Affairs for the Air Force base, called the drones “unmanned aerial systems” and says that they did not impact anyone or anything on base.

From WCPO:

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s airspace was closed by unidentified drones Friday night and early Saturday, a spokesman for the base confirmed Sunday.

Robert Purtiman, a spokesman for Wright Patterson, said small unmanned aerial systems were spotted in the vicinity of the base late Friday.

“So far, our leadership has determined that none of the incursions impacted any of our residents, facilities or assets,” Purtiman said. “We’re taking all of the appropriate measures to safeguard the installation and all of our residents.”

No property was damaged or residents harmed, he added. The airfield was shut down for about four hours late Friday evening into early Saturday morning, Purtiman said.

The number of systems spotted “has fluctuated, and they have ranged in sizes and configurations,” he said. “Our team continues to monitor the local airspace, and we’re working with local authorities to ensure the safety of our personnel, facilities and assets.”

Asked how often this happens to Wright-Patterson, Purtiman said, “First time I’m aware of.”

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The sprawling Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio is the latest military installation to report mysterious drones flying over its airspace, The War Zone has learned.

“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 in response to our questions about the sightings. “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.”

The drones “ranged in sizes and configurations,” Purtiman said. “Our units are working with local authorities to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities, and assets.”

After the drones were seen over Wright Patterson, a Notice To Airman (NOTAM) was issued closing the airspace between Friday night and Saturday morning. The airspace has since been reopened, Purtiman said.