Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is urging the Department of Homeland Security to provide New York and New Jersey authorities with an advanced drone detection system, following a weekend of chaos in the Northeast. The call comes after multiple drone sightings led to the temporary shutdown of parts of Stewart International Airport and airspace over the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Schumer's request was made during a press conference on December 15th, where he expressed frustration over the lack of answers regarding the recent sightings. "We've seen lots of recent sightings in New York, New Jersey, Long Island, Staten Island," Schumer said. "With all these sightings over the last while, why do we have more questions than answers?"

The drone activity has caused significant disruptions, including the shutdown of airspace over the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio for over four hours. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also weighed in, stating that "this has gone too far." Even President-elect Donald Trump was affected, canceling a trip to Bedminster, New Jersey due to drone sightings in the area.

Schumer is advocating for a "360-degree" detection system, similar to the one developed by Robin Radar Systems, a European company that specializes in micro-doppler radars. These systems can distinguish between birds and drones moving up to 60 miles per hour in 3D space, making them a potentially effective solution for detecting and tracking drones. Robin Radar Systems has already demonstrated the effectiveness of its technology in various settings, including airport security and bird migration studies.

In addition to calling for an advanced detection system, Schumer is also pushing for Congress to pass the "Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act." This legislation would grant local law enforcement and federal authorities the power to detect drones, providing them with the necessary tools to address the growing concern of drone sightings.

The recent drone sightings in the Northeast have raised significant security concerns, and Schumer's call for an advanced detection system is a crucial step towards addressing these issues. As the use of drones continues to increase, it is essential that authorities have the necessary tools and legislation in place to ensure public safety and prevent disruptions to critical infrastructure.

The development of advanced drone detection systems and the passage of legislation aimed at addressing drone threats will be crucial in shaping the future of drone regulation and security. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that policymakers and authorities must work together to find effective solutions to the growing problem of drone sightings.