U.S. military reports 75% drop in border drone activity after laser deployment

U.S. military officials report a roughly 75% decrease in drone activity probing the southern border in the Rio Grande Valley following the deployment of a high-energy laser weapon system. The system was first utilized to down three drones on August 25 and 26 after months of training.

While the military previously used jamming technology to redirect drones, the laser provides the capability to physically bring suspected threats down. Army Col. Robert Felicio, commander of the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, noted that the ability to ensure a tool cannot be reused against the military is a “game changer.”

Since the start of the year, the military has intercepted 300 drones linked to cartels, including 11 downed by the laser within a 10-day period. Military officials stated they are coordinating regularly with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure the laser system does not pose a risk to civilian aviation.