Pentagon, FAA test high-energy anti-drone laser system in New Mexico
AI Analysis
The U.S. military and FAA are testing a high-energy laser system in New Mexico to counter drone threats, addressing FAA safety concerns and gathering data on the laser's effects. Recent incidents include the shooting down of a CBP drone and airspace disruptions in El Paso due to coordination issues.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. military and FAA test high-energy anti-drone laser system in New Mexico.
- Testing aims to address FAA safety concerns and gather data on laser effects.
- A CBP drone was shot down near Fort Hancock after entering military airspace.
- Temporary flight restrictions are in place near Fort Hancock until June 26.
- El Paso experienced airspace shutdowns due to coordination issues between CBP, FAA, and Pentagon.
Why It Matters
The testing of high-energy laser systems represents a significant advancement in counter-UAS technology, potentially enhancing the U.S. military's ability to neutralize drone threats. The incidents highlight the importance of coordination between agencies to prevent operational disruptions and ensure airspace security.
Pentagon, FAA test high-energy anti-drone laser system in New Mexico
MILITARY
Pentagon, FAA test high-energy anti-drone laser system in New Mexico
Daniel Borunda
El Paso Times
March 8, 2026, 11:01 a.m. MT
The U.S. military is conducting tests with the Federal Aviation Administration in New Mexico of a high-energy laser to deal with drone threats, Reuters reported.
"This upcoming event will specifically address FAA safety concerns while gathering data about the laser’s material effects on aircraft surrogates," the Pentagon said on Friday, March 6, Reuters reported.
The location of the testing in New Mexico over the weekend of March 7-8 was not disclosed.
A military laser system to eliminate drone threats in the El Paso border region caused havoc last month. El Paso International Airport on Sunday, March 8, continued operations as normal.
CBP drone shot down near Fort Hancock
Two weeks ago, the military shot down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone that flew into military airspace, reportedly without notifying anyone, along the Mexican border near Fort Hancock, Texas, located about 40 miles east of El Paso.
An unnamed U.S. official told NBC News that the military later determined the drone belonged to CBP. The Pentagon said proper protocols were followed before the laser was used on the drone.
On Feb. 26, the FAA issued temporary flight restrictions closing a sliver of airspace near Fort Hancock, south of Texas Highway 20 to the Mexican border, designated as national defense airspace.
The restriction — which does not impact Mexican airspace — continues until June 26 and emergency exceptions can be made for air ambulance evacuations and search-and-rescue operations in coordination with the military, the FAA notice stated.
El Paso airspace drone fiasco
Late night on Feb. 10, the FAA shut down the airspace in El Paso leading to an hours-long halt of all flights at El Paso International Airport in a drone fiasco due to a reported lack of coordination between CBP, the FAA and the Pentagon.
The FAA had issued an order grounding all flights in El Paso as a precaution for 10 days — which would've been longer than the airspace closure after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks — only to lift the restriction about eight hours later. The airspace closure included a small section along the New Mexico-Mexico border west of El Paso.
The FAA's El Paso airspace shut