Gulfstream G550 struck by unknown object at high altitude

Ryan Graves, executive director of Americans for Safe Aerospace (ASA), discussed this incident on social media and mentioned that a whistleblower contacted ASA regarding concerns over the event occurring in regulated Class A airspace without a flight plan or signal transmission from the object. Graves ruled out common objects like weather balloons or birds due to evidence pointing towards metal damage and emphasized that "major air safety events should be handled transparently."

Reports of mystery drones have been increasing, not only in the United States but also abroad. In November 2024, drones were spotted over US Air Force bases in the UK. In December 2024, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio temporarily closed its airspace due to drone activity.

These incidents highlight potential risks such as espionage and collisions with commercial flights. Unregistered drones pose challenges as they lack communication systems needed for tracking and response efforts.