US Department of Defense tests midflight drone laser recharging

The U.S. Department of Defense has successfully tested a ground-based laser system designed to recharge combat drones during flight. The system delivers 1 kilowatt of power to a drone at altitudes of approximately 1,500 meters, utilizing a ground-based transmitter and a photovoltaic receiver on the aircraft's underside. This technology aims to extend mission duration for reconnaissance and surveillance by eliminating the need for drones to land for refueling.

However, the implementation of such technologies has raised safety concerns regarding civilian airspace. Recent military testing of drone and counter-drone systems has led to disruptions, including faulty collision alerts near commercial airports and incidents where laser systems were used without interagency coordination. For example, the use of a counter-drone laser by U.S. Customs and Border Protection resulted in the targeting of party balloons rather than intended targets, prompting the FAA to temporarily close airspace to protect passenger aircraft.