Recent reports of unidentified aerial objects over New Jersey and other parts of the northeastern United States have sparked widespread curiosity and concern. Swarms of lights hovering at night, captured on smartphone videos and drone cameras, have led many to wonder: are these DJI Mavic 3 units, hobbyist FPV drones, or something more mysterious? While U.S. authorities like the FAA have downplayed threats, social media is buzzing with questions about similar sightings abroad. Have drones—or what appear to be drones—been spotted in other countries? In this article, we dive into global reports, explore the drone technologies that could explain them, and offer tips for enthusiasts to identify these flying machines themselves.
Drone Sightings in North America: Beyond the U.S. Border
The U.S. sightings, particularly clustered around Morris County since November 2024, have dominated headlines. Witnesses describe clusters of 10 to 50 lights, some as large as cars, flying in formation without noise. The FAA has received over 5,000 reports, attributing many to authorized operations or misidentifications like airplanes or stars—yes, even celestial bodies. But what about Canada, just north of the border?
Canadian Reports Echo U.S. Patterns
In late 2024, residents near Toronto and Ottawa reported similar glowing orbs. One viral video from a GoPro Hero12 Black mounted on a consumer drone showed lights maneuvering erratically over Lake Ontario. Canadian officials, coordinating with the U.S., suggested commercial quadcopters testing AI follow mode. Hobbyists using DJI Mini 4 Pro for night flights were also blamed, as these lightweight UAVs feature LED lights visible from miles away. Unlike louder racing drones, these micro drones operate silently thanks to brushless motors and advanced stabilization systems.
Mexico has seen sporadic reports too. Near Mexico City, farmers captured footage of what looked like a fleet of racing drones zipping over cornfields. Local drone clubs using BetaFPV micro drones for freestyle flying were quick to claim responsibility, highlighting how FPV systems enable precise, low-altitude maneuvers that mimic mysterious behavior from afar.
These North American cases share common threads: nighttime operations, formation flying, and confusion with hobbyist gear. GPS-enabled drones with obstacle avoidance sensors like those in the Autel Evo Lite+ can hover autonomously, explaining stationary lights.
European Sightings: From the UK to the Continent
Europe, with its dense airspace and strict EASA regulations, has a long history of drone encounters. Post-Brexit, the UK has ramped up monitoring, especially near airports.
United Kingdom: Gatwick Echoes and New Waves
Remember the 2018 Gatwick Airport shutdown caused by a single drone? Recent 2024-2025 sightings near London and Manchester involve multiple units. Eyewitnesses using DJI Avata 2 FPV goggles reported swarms over the Thames, possibly UAVs from nearby drone racing events. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority notes increased use of thermal cameras on drones like the DJI Matrice 30 for search-and-rescue, which glow under night vision.
In France, sightings over Paris coincided with Bastille Day fireworks, but videos showed persistent lights post-event. French drone filmmakers employing gimbal cameras for cinematic shots were investigated, as 4K footage revealed standard propellers and batteries.
Germany and Scandinavia: Tech Hubs Light Up the Sky
Germany, a leader in drone innovation, reported clusters near Berlin. Engineers testing optical zoom lenses on Parrot Anafi drones for mapping were cited. In Sweden, northern lights enthusiasts mistook remote sensing drones for UFOs. These incidents underscore Europe’s embrace of autonomous flight tech, where drones follow pre-programmed paths without pilots.
Asia and Oceania: High-Tech Hotspots
Asia’s drone market, dominated by manufacturers, sees the most activity.
China and Japan: Manufacturing Meets Mystery
In China, nightly sightings near Shenzhen—home to DJI—are routine. Prototype testing of next-gen sensors and navigation systems lights up the skies. Japanese reports from Tokyo involve Yamaha RMAX agricultural drones, visible during rice field surveys.
India has explosions of sightings over Mumbai, linked to Bollywood aerial filmmaking with Insta360 Sphere cameras.
Australia and New Zealand: Vast Skies, Bold Reports
Down under, Australia’s outback reports near Sydney feature large drones for bushfire monitoring, equipped with LiDAR. New Zealand pilots using Freefly Alta X for Lord of the Rings-style shots over Milford Sound have caused similar buzz.
Technological Explanations: Drones Demystified
Most sightings align with advanced consumer and pro tech. Quadcopters like the DJI Air 3 boast 46-minute flight times via high-capacity batteries, enabling long hovers. Controllers with apps allow swarm ops—up to 100 units via DJI Fly.
Stealth comes from noise-reducing propellers and LED arrays for visibility. Obstacle avoidance using ultrasonic sensors prevents crashes, mimicking intelligent behavior.
Spotting Drones Yourself
To differentiate:
- Sound: Listen for high-pitched whir vs. jet roar.
- Movement: Drones dart; planes glide.
- Lights: Steady white/red/green for aircraft; multicolored/flashing for drones.
- Gear Up: Use DJI Goggles 3 or thermal imaging apps.
| Feature | Hobbyist Drone | Military UAV | Airplane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 0.25-10kg | 100kg+ | Tons |
| Noise | Quiet whir | Variable | Loud roar |
| Lights | LEDs, flashing | IR/Stealth | Navigation strobes |
| Flight Time | 20-60 min | Hours | Hours |
Future Implications for Drone Enthusiasts
Global sightings highlight drones’ integration into daily life—from aerial filmmaking with cinematic shots to mapping. Regulations evolve; expect more cases for transport and flight paths tracking.
While conspiracies swirl, evidence points to tech we love: reliable, innovative drones. Stay informed, fly responsibly, and capture your own skies with the latest accessories.