The mystery drone situation that has unfolded across New Jersey, New York and other states has drawn unwanted public outrage aimed at the White House for its lack of transparency on the matter.

Many theories regarding the drones' origin and purpose have cropped up in recent weeks. According to the Daily Mail, one of the newest theories suggests that the drones are part of a U.S. Army research project.

The outlet reported that official documents show that in 2018, a "defense contract awarded $50 million to a private robotics company to develop craft capable of creating 3D maps of urban areas for a 'counter weapons of mass destruction' program."

The records referenced by the outlet show that the drones have been tested in such manner for years.

What's going on?

The contract was awarded by the Army's Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC).

That installation happens to be the sight where some of the first drone sightings were reported in New Jersey, leading some to believe that the sudden increase in drone sightings is somehow related to the research program.

The Daily Mail noted:

Meanwhile, documents show the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an air restriction alert on November 21 prohibiting flights over the Picatinny base for 'special security reasons' through December 26.

"This FAA notice shows US drone testing is happening in the area. It's a warning for others to stay out of the area during those dates," retired CIA Intelligence Officer Rudy Ridolfi told the outlet.

He added, "While the nature of the testing isn't specified, it's most likely the testing of payloads related to reconnaissance."

A drone expert told the outlet that the drones could be part of a civilian-based developer making the drones for the Department of Defense. The Daily Mail noted:

The DoD can deny claims of third-party technologies if the drones were placed on a secure tech list for contract disclosures, which means the government is applying special restrictions to the information.

The restrictions are added when technologies protect national security or to keep advanced systems hidden from hostile nations, and the developer holds primary liability if the government is not operating the drones, Ridolfi explained.

Getting out of hand

For weeks, sightings of the mystery drones have increased substantially, leaving many New Jersey and New York residents perplexed and worried as to what's going on?

Other theories have emerged, with some claiming that the drones are part of a "sniffing" operation to locate lost or stolen radioactive material or other hazardous material in the area.

President-elect Donald Trump and many others from both sides of the aisle have expressed frustration at President Joe Biden and his administration for not being honest about the situation.

Trump and others have also called for the drones to be shot down.