After two high-profile incidents, the US Defense Department and Federal Aviation Administration are planning a joint test of a laser system this weekend designed to shoot down drones, according to a statement from the military. The operation, on March 7 and 8 at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, comes after two uses of anti-drone laser systems on the southern border prompted calls for Congressional investigations. Last month the US military used a laser system to shoot down an unmanned aircraft operated by US Customs and Border Protection in Texas. About two weeks earlier, the use of a military laser system by CBP designed to disrupt drones near El Paso prompted the FAA to abruptly shut down a large swath of airspace up to 18,000 feet over the city for 10 days. In a statement the FAA noted it appreciates the coordination too help ensure public safety.

Source: CNN March 07, 2026 05:05 UTC