Mystery drones won't interfere with Santa's work: US tracker

US Air Force General Gregory Guillot confirmed there would be no interference with Santa's journey, as NORAD continued its long-standing tradition of tracking Saint Nick.

"While we are always vigilant about drones and other airborne concerns, Santa faces no risks this year," Guillot said in an interview.

NORAD reported that Santa's sleigh, pulled by his trusty reindeer, had already made stops across Asia, including Japan and even North Korea.

NORAD’s Santa Tracker, accessible online, shows his real-time movements with a 3D map and updates on the estimated number of gifts delivered—an impressive 1.2 billion as of Tuesday morning.

NORAD’s tracking tradition began in 1955 when a misprinted phone number in a Colorado newspaper ad directed children to call NORAD's operations hotline instead of Santa Claus.

Rather than disappoint the callers, Colonel Harry Shoup, then NORAD’s director of operations, had staff provide updates on Santa’s radar location.

When not monitoring Santa, NORAD handles critical aerospace and maritime control operations, including missile defense.

Santa's brief flight over Pyongyang serves as a reminder of NORAD's year-round vigilance, even during the holidays.

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin also praised NORAD’s efforts, highlighting their role in ensuring a smooth journey for Santa each year. Last Christmas, US President Joe Biden joined NORAD’s call center, speaking with children tracking Santa’s progress.