Politico: "Swarms of Chinese-made Drones" Penetrated Airspace of Pentagon, White House

Hundreds of Chinese-made drones have been detected in restricted airspace over Washington, D.C., in recent months, raising concerns among national security agencies that they could become a new avenue for foreign espionage, according to Politico, a US magazine.

Three people familiar with the meetings said federal officials and drone industry experts have provided confidential briefings to the Senate Homeland Security, Commerce, and Intelligence Committees on the matter.

The relevant authorities declined to comment on the matter.

Politico noted that the discovery is based on interviews with seven government officials, lawmakers, and congressional staffers, all of whom requested anonymity.

Officials say they do not believe the "drone swarms" are directed by the Chinese government. However, abuses by users mark a new turn in the proliferation of relatively cheap but increasingly sophisticated drones that can be used for entertainment and commerce.