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The Army just used a 20-kilowatt laser to take out three drones

The Army just used a 20-kilowatt laser to take out three drones

Summary

The US Army used a 20-kilowatt laser to destroy three drones near the US-Mexico border. The operation was led by the Joint Task Force Southern Border to protect military and Border Patrol personnel from potential threats.

Key Facts

  • The laser system used is called the Locust Laser Weapon System, part of the Army's High-Energy Multipurpose Laser (AMP-HEL) program.
  • The operation took place around August 25-26 near the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.
  • The laser works by focusing a powerful beam of light to detect, track, and disable drones.
  • The drones neutralized were reportedly posing a physical threat to US military and Customs and Border Patrol officials.
  • The Joint Task Force Southern Border suspects these drones may be linked to drug trafficking groups in Mexico.
  • AeroVironment, a defense technology company, began delivering prototype laser weapons in 2025, with upgrades continuing later that year.
  • The Locust system can be mounted on military vehicles and integrates radar and command systems for better defense capabilities.
  • The use of this technology fits into President Donald Trump’s second-term efforts to combat illegal immigration and drug cartels along the border.
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