US Military Conducts Anti-Drone Laser Tests Following Airspace Disruptions
The United States military has initiated a series of critical tests involving anti-drone laser weaponry at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico this weekend. This development comes directly in response to two significant incidents in February where military laser deployments led to sudden and unannounced airspace closures in Texas, causing substantial travel disruptions and raising serious safety concerns.
Background of Uncoordinated Laser Deployments
Earlier in February, the Pentagon authorized US Customs and Border Protection to utilize an anti-drone laser system without providing prior notification to the Federal Aviation Administration. This lack of coordination resulted in the abrupt closure of airspace over El Paso for several hours, leaving numerous travellers stranded. Officials indicated the operation was aimed at countering incursions by Mexican cartel drones, which are frequently observed along the southern border.
A subsequent and more serious incident occurred on 26 February. The US military employed a laser to shoot down what was described as a "seemingly threatening" drone near the US-Mexico border. Lawmakers later confirmed this drone actually belonged to Customs and Border Protection. This action prompted the FAA to close the airspace around Fort Hancock, approximately 50 miles southeast of El Paso.
Safety Concerns and Lack of Consultation
Sources revealed to The Associated Press that the laser was deployed near Fort Bliss without any prior coordination with the FAA. The aviation authority made the decision to close the airspace independently to ensure the safety of commercial aircraft. Further reports from CBS News indicated that FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford did not consult with the White House, Pentagon, or Homeland Security officials before implementing the closure.
Notably, this technology was deployed despite a scheduled meeting later in the month between the Pentagon and the FAA specifically intended to discuss these very issues. The incidents have exposed a troubling gap in interagency communication and protocol.
Official Response and Testing Initiative
In a statement addressing the new testing initiative, the FAA expressed appreciation for the improved coordination, stating: "We appreciate the coordination with the Department of War to help ensure public safety. The FAA and DOW are working with interagency partners to address emerging threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems while maintaining the safety of the National Airspace System."
The military is legally required to formally notify the FAA when undertaking any counter-drone actions within US airspace. The tests scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at White Sands are explicitly designed to "specifically address FAA safety concerns" and establish clearer operational protocols.
Political Fallout and Calls for Investigation
The two February incidents have sparked significant political concern. Illinois Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, who serves as the ranking member on the Senate's Aviation Subcommittee, has previously called for an independent investigation into the matter. The lack of coordination between military and aviation authorities has highlighted vulnerabilities in national airspace security procedures.
These tests represent a crucial step toward reconciling the military's need to address drone threats—particularly from cartel operations along the border—with the FAA's paramount responsibility for civilian aviation safety. The outcome of this weekend's evaluations will likely influence future policy and coordination frameworks for deploying advanced defensive technologies in domestic airspace.
