The El Paso No-Fly Debacle Is Just the Beginning of a Drone Defense Mess
8 days ago
- #aviation-safety
- #drone-defense
- #laser-technology
- Airspace over El Paso, Texas, and parts of New Mexico was briefly closed due to concerns about anti-drone defenses.
- The FAA initially set a 10-day closure but lifted it after 8 hours, reportedly due to concerns about a Pentagon-provided anti-drone laser weapon being used by CBP.
- CBP used the laser to shoot down what turned out to be a party balloon, raising questions about the safety and necessity of such measures.
- The White House stated that the FAA's decision to close the airspace was made without notifying them, the Pentagon, or DHS.
- Lawmakers requested a classified briefing to understand the incident, failed communications, and steps to prevent future crises.
- The laser tool used was the 'LOCUST' system by AeroVironment, a 20-kilowatt laser designed for small drones, part of the Army's Directed Energy Prototyping efforts.
- Experts emphasize the need for new protocols and communication mechanisms to safely integrate anti-drone defenses without risking civilian or military aviation.
- Pilots expressed concern over the lack of procedures for incidents involving anti-drone measures and potential risks like laser exposure.