The U.S. military utilized a laser to take down a Customs and Border Protection drone, as reported by members of Congress on Thursday. This action led to the closure of more airspace near El Paso, Texas, by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
It remains unclear why the laser was deployed, but this marks the second instance in two weeks where a laser was fired in the area. The military is obligated to formally notify the FAA whenever it engages in any counter-drone activity within U.S. airspace.
The previous laser firing did not result in hitting a target. It was executed by the CBP near Fort Bliss, prompting the FAA to halt air traffic at El Paso airport and its surrounding vicinity. However, this time the closure was more contained, and commercial flights were unaffected.
U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen and other leading Democrats expressed astonishment upon receiving official notification of the incident. They criticized the Trump administration for bypassing a bipartisan bill aimed at training drone operators and enhancing communication among the Pentagon, FAA, and Department of Homeland Security.
In defense of the anti-drone laser deployment, a joint statement from the FAA, CBP, and the Pentagon emphasized that the military employed counter-unmanned aircraft system authorities to address a potentially threatening unmanned aerial system within military airspace. This action was taken far from populated areas and commercial flights as part of efforts to bolster border security.
The El Paso airspace shutdown two weeks ago, though brief, caused concern and led to flight cancellations in the city. Afterward, it was noted that dysfunction within the government was apparent, with various agencies failing to coordinate effectively.
Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth, ranking member on the Senate’s Aviation Subcommittee, demanded independent investigations into the situation, labeling the Trump administration’s handling of the issue as incompetent.
Concerns about drone threats are escalating, prompting Congress to grant more law enforcement agencies the authority to take down rogue drones if properly trained. The U.S. government has allocated significant funds to enhance drone defenses and respond to potential threats.
Drones pose a significant problem along the border, with cartels frequently using them for illicit activities. The increasing number of drones in U.S. airspace underscores the need for effective countermeasures to safeguard against potential risks.
Various anti-drone systems are available, including those that use radio signals, high-powered microwaves, laser beams, or physical interception methods to neutralize threatening drones. The evolving landscape of drone technology necessitates proactive measures to mitigate associated risks.
