Lawmakers say US Military used laser to take down Border Protection drone in TX
3 hours ago
- #military technology
- #drone threats
- #US-Mexico border
- U.S. military used a laser to shoot down a CBP drone near the U.S.-Mexico border, mistaking it for a threat.
- FAA closed airspace around Fort Hancock after the incident, marking the second laser-related shutdown in two weeks.
- Lawmakers criticized the Trump administration for poor coordination among agencies and lack of drone operator training.
- Government defended the use of anti-drone lasers, citing efforts to counter threats from cartels and terrorist organizations.
- Previous incidents, including a midair collision near D.C., highlighted poor coordination between FAA and Pentagon.
- Congress recently expanded authority to take down rogue drones, amid growing concerns over drone threats.
- Drones are increasingly used by cartels for drug delivery and surveillance, with over 27,000 detected near the border in late 2024.
- Anti-drone systems include jamming signals, lasers, microwaves, and interceptor drones, with bullets being less common domestically.