Pentagon, FAA have successful laser counter-drone trial run
AI Analysis
The FAA and Department of War successfully tested AeroVironment's LOCUST high-energy laser counter-drone system at White Sands Missile Range, demonstrating its ability to engage targets safely around civilian air traffic. The system includes automated safety shutoffs and can be vehicle-mounted for mobility. This marks a significant step towards deploying directed energy weapons for homeland defense.
Key Takeaways
- AeroVironment’s LOCUST laser system successfully engaged both stationary and airborne targets during testing.
- The system incorporates automated safety features, preventing engagement if pre-flight checklists aren't met.
- Safety assessments validated the LOCUST laser poses no additional risk to passenger aircraft.
- The LOCUST system is mobile and can be integrated with existing command and control infrastructure.
- Customs and Border Protection has previously deployed the same LOCUST system against alleged cartel drones.
Why It Matters
This successful trial demonstrates the increasing viability of laser-based counter-UAS systems, offering a potentially low-cost and precise alternative to kinetic methods. The ability to operate safely near civilian airspace is crucial for protecting critical infrastructure and large public events. This development signals a shift towards more sophisticated and scalable drone defense capabilities.
Pentagon, FAA have successful laser counter-drone trial run
Published: 2026-05-10T11:00:00+00:00 Author: Mike Brest
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of War successfully tested a high-energy laser counter-drone system that can be used without harming civilian aircraft. AeroVironment's LOCUST laser was used in the test at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The system demonstrated its ability to hit both stationary and airborne targets and demonstrated its automated safety shutoff capabilities if the pre-fire checklist is not met. The FAA and Pentagon have completed a safety assessment of the laser system and validated it does not pose any additional risk to passenger aircraft. The laser system is interconnected through higher-level command and control systems and can be mounted onto vehicles and made mobile. It is also the same system Customs and Border Protection used to shoot down an alleged cartel drone.
Story
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