Late on Tuesday night, the city of El Paso, Texas, was surprised to learn that the airspace over El Paso International Airport had been shut down at 11:30 P.M. local time. The closure, initially announced to last for 10 days, was later shortened to just a few hours. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy took to X to announce that the shutdown was a response to a “cartel drone incursion” along the border, emphasizing that the threat had been neutralized. However, details on how the threat was neutralized or why the airport had to go dark were not provided.
Reports from different sources conflicted on what exactly was targeted during the incident. While the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post hinted at a possible party balloon, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas stated that the specifics of the event were unclear.
On Wednesday, CNN reported that Customs and Border Protection had deployed an antidrone laser borrowed from the Department of Defense near Fort Bliss, which is adjacent to the airport. There were concerns about the potential risks posed to air traffic by the use of a laser-based counter-drone system. The laser, known as LOCUST, is a directed-energy weapon developed by AeroVironment and its counter-drone unit, BlueHalo. AeroVironment had delivered the first two mobile LOCUST systems to the U.S. Army in August 2025.
“These types of systems have been in development for a significant amount of time, with protection against drones being a primary application,” mentioned Iain Boyd, the director of the Center for National Security Initiatives at the University of Colorado Boulder. The appeal of laser technology lies in its cost-effectiveness and continuous firing capability. Unlike traditional weapons that have a limited number of shots, lasers can keep firing as long as they have a power source.
However, lasers come with their own set of challenges. If a laser misses its target, the beam can travel a long distance and potentially cause harm to unintended targets. Additionally, some materials can reflect laser energy, posing a risk of blinding or other hazards.
The development of laser systems for defense purposes has evolved significantly over the years. Lockheed Martin’s ATHENA system and Raytheon’s antidrone laser system have demonstrated the effectiveness of laser technology in countering threats. While the use of lasers for defense purposes is promising, there are concerns about coordination and safety, especially in busy airspace like that of El Paso.
The incident in El Paso serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in deploying advanced technologies for security purposes. Coordination among various agencies and stakeholders is crucial to ensure the safe and effective use of antidrone laser systems. As technology continues to advance, it is essential to address the regulatory and safety implications associated with the deployment of such systems.
