FAA, Pentagon declare antidrone laser system safe after El Paso airport shutdown

The Hill
by Ellen Mitchell
April 10, 2026
8 views
2 min read

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The Bottom Line

The FAA and Pentagon approved an antidrone laser system for use along the U.S. southern border.

How This Affects You

This new technology could enhance border security, potentially reducing disruptions from drones, but may also raise questions about its use near public areas.

AI Summary

The FAA and Pentagon have declared a counterdrone laser system safe for use, clearing the way for its deployment along the U.S. southern border. This announcement follows a thorough safety assessment of a high-energy laser counter-drone system conducted in New Mexico last month. The decision allows the U.S. government to utilize this technology, which was previously implicated in an El Paso airport shutdown, for border security operations. This development provides a new tool for addressing drone activity in sensitive border areas.

What's Being Done

The FAA and Pentagon declared the counterdrone laser system safe after a safety assessment in New Mexico.

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