Pentagon Downs US Drone with Laser
In a highly unusual incident, the Pentagon used a laser system to shoot down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone near El Paso, Texas. The event prompted the FAA to expand airspace restrictions in the area and led to a briefing for members of Congress, raising questions about domestic military operations and technology.
The friendly-fire incident occurred near Fort Hancock, Texas, approximately 50 miles southeast of El Paso. It was the second time in two weeks that a directed-energy weapon was fired in the area, prompting the FAA to expand flight restrictions. The new restrictions are in effect until June 24 and prohibit aircraft from flying below 17,999 feet. A joint statement from the Pentagon, FAA, and CBP acknowledged a "counter-unmanned aircraft system" was used against a "seemingly threatening" drone. The statement noted the engagement happened far from populated areas as part of a broader effort ordered by President Trump to counter drone threats from Mexican cartels. The weapon system involved is believed to be the Army's Directed Energy Maneuver-Short-Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD). This system mounts a 50-kilowatt class laser on a Stryker armored vehicle and is designed to provide a low-cost defense against drones, rockets, and mortars. Each shot costs roughly the equivalent of a gallon of diesel fuel. This event follows a recent incident near El Paso where CBP, using a similar laser system on loan from the Army, shot down what was initially reported as a cartel drone but was later identified as a party balloon. That earlier event also triggered a multi-hour shutdown of El Paso's airport. The repeated lack of coordination drew sharp criticism from Congress. Top Democrats on the House Transportation, Infrastructure, and Homeland Security committees stated their "heads are exploding over the news," blaming the administration for sidestepping a bipartisan bill aimed at improving training and communication between the Pentagon, DHS, and FAA on counter-drone operations. Senator Tammy Duckworth has called for an independent investigation into both Texas laser incidents. Lawmakers had previously warned that without better coordination and training protocols, such incidents of "incompetence" were likely.
