U.S. ramps up investment in counter-drone technology as threats evolve
AI Analysis
The U.S. is significantly increasing its investment in counter-drone technology to address evolving threats from sophisticated unmanned aircraft used by criminal organizations. The Department of Homeland Security is testing advanced systems, including high-energy lasers and kinetic mitigation solutions, to disable drones.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. is investing millions in counter-drone technology due to evolving threats.
- DHS is testing high-energy lasers and kinetic solutions to combat drones.
- Drones are increasingly used by criminal organizations for drug smuggling and surveillance.
- Federal strategies are being developed to address drone threats at the border and nationwide.
- The use of directed energy technology is a key focus in disabling drones.
Why It Matters
The strategic significance of this development lies in the increasing threat drones pose to national security, particularly at the U.S. border. By investing in advanced counter-drone technologies, the U.S. aims to protect its airspace and prevent criminal activities, such as drug smuggling and potential attacks, thereby enhancing homeland security.
U.S. ramps up investment in counter-drone technology as threats evolve
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U.S. ramps up investment in counter-drone technology as threats evolve
by [Jordan Elder],PhotojournalistBlakeMcCarty
Mon, February 16, 2026 at 6:36 PM
[5VIEW ALL PHOTOS]
The testing identified which kinetic mitigation solutions could best combat a number of scenarios while also developing an understanding of potential collateral effects for domestic usage in the U.S. Photo credit: UND.
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topics:
- [Emergency preparedness]
- [Drug cartels]
- [Directed energy]
- [Border security]
- [Homeland Security]
- [U.S. government]
- [Drones]
- [Counter-drone technology]
EL PASO, Texas — A surprise airspace closure over El Paso last week is highlighting a much greater effort across the country: a multimillion-dollar push to counter the growing threat posed by drones.
Federal officials say the temporary shutdown was tied to the testing of counter-drone technology, specifically a high-energy laser.
Experts say it reflects a nationwide strategy to prepare for increasingly sophisticated unmanned aircraft used by criminal organizations and other bad actors.
Drones are changing trends on the border and in the country's interior.
“The landscape is changing,” said James Conway, a former FBI agent and counterterrorism expert. “We’re a long way from coyotes and smugglers putting drugs in a backpack and sneaking across the border at night.”
Conway and other experts say cartels are now using high-tech drones to move drugs, conduct surveillance, and in some cases, carry out attacks.
Security officials have warned publicly that the threat is expanding.
“It’s only a matter of time before Americans or law enforcement are targeted in the border region,” Steven Willoughby, deputy director for DHS's Counter-UAS Program, said during a congressional hearing on drone threats in July.
The federal response is accelerating.
Records show the Department of Homeland Security has been testing advanced counter-drone systems, including direct-energy technology designed to disable drones by targeting their propulsion and sensor systems.
Over the summer, [DHS tested "kinetic mitigation solutions" in North Dakota], which involved something being fired at incoming drones. According to a DHS webpage, it could be a projectile, a directed energy beam, a microwave, or a laser.
These efforts go beyond the border.
“There have been numerous widely reported incidents of drones flying into restricted airspace.