Drone activity at border drops 75% after U.S. uses laser weapon, military says
Summary
The U.S. military has used a high-energy laser weapon system to shoot down drones near the southern border, leading to a 75% drop in drone activity in the Rio Grande Valley. The laser targets suspicious drones linked to drug cartels and is part of efforts to protect the border.Key Facts
- The laser weapon was first used on August 25 and 26 to bring down three drones after months of training.
- The military coordinates with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prevent risks to civilians.
- The military uses jamming technology, but the laser provides a way to fully disable drones seen as threats.
- Since the start of 2024, about 300 drones linked to cartels have been stopped, including 11 by the laser in ten days.
- There are about 1,000 drone incursions at the southern border each month.
- The laser system, called LOCUST, is controlled using an Xbox-style controller and targets drones with a precise heat beam.
- The Army awarded a $465 million contract to AeroVironment to provide high-energy laser systems.
- The laser is less effective in bad weather like rain but is considered a cost-effective additional tool for border security.
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