Pentagon's Big Update After Dramatic Rise In Laser Strikes At Airplanes Over New Jersey

Reported sightings of drones over New Jersey have led to a surge in incidents of people pointing lasers at airplanes flying overhead, a practice that is both illegal and dangerous, according to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA reported a 269% increase in laser incidents, with 59 cases recorded in the first half of December compared to just eight during the same period last year. Aiming lasers at aircraft poses serious safety risks and violates federal law. Officials have reiterated that the increase in drone sightings does not indicate a national security threat and is often attributed to misidentified aircraft, stars, or hobbyist drones.