A private aerial contractor has reportedly taken responsibility for the unexplained drone sightings that sparked nationwide attention in New Jersey last year. According to a report, the unnamed company demonstrated a unique aircraft at the U.S. Army’s UAS and Launched Effects Summit at Fort Rucker in August.

An employee of the company told a small group after the demonstration that the mysterious phenomena observed in New Jersey were linked to their activities. “You remember that big UFO scare in New Jersey last year? Well, that was us,” the individual stated. The company’s actions involved testing its capabilities over New Jersey without disclosing the activity, as it operated under a private government contract.

In video footage shared with the outlet, a roughly 20-foot, four-winged aircraft was seen gliding just above the tree line, drawing the attention of soldiers on the ground. A military veteran and drone expert described their initial reaction to the object on August 12 at Fort Rucker, stating, “I thought it was the military testing something out on the other side of the base.” The source noted the aircraft’s unusual behavior, describing it as defying expectations and creating an “uncanny valley feeling” during its quiet movement through the sky.

The drone sightings in New Jersey began in mid-November 2024 over the Picatinny Arsenal Army base in Morris County and continued for weeks into December. All demonstrations at Fort Rucker were reportedly approved by the installation’s administration, which strictly prohibited aircraft containing Chinese-made components. An unnamed attendee confirmed the rigorous oversight, stating, “Somebody was 100% in charge of coordinating that.”

The admission follows widespread public concern over the origins of the aircraft, with residents reporting sightings and claims of disappearance during the prolonged period of activity.