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U.S. Military Deploys Laser Weapon System to Counter Cartel Drones at Southern Border
Just the facts
The U.S. military deployed AeroVironment's LOCUST high-energy laser weapon system along the U.S.-Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley, downing 11 drones over a 10-day period. Army Colonel Robert Felicio, commander of the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, confirmed that the deployment coincided with a 75 percent drop in drone incursions near McAllen, Texas. U.S. service members operated the laser system using an Xbox-style controller and optical tracking cameras to disable quadcopter drones used by drug cartels for surveillance. To support further deployment, the U.S. Army awarded a $465 million contract to AeroVironment for additional high-energy laser systems. Military commanders coordinated operations with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure the laser beams did not jeopardize commercial aircraft operating in adjacent airspace.
Why this is news
U.S. military officials announced that high-energy laser weapon systems deployed along the southern border in the Rio Grande Valley resulted in a 75 percent reduction in drone activity. The statement followed operational testing and deployment near McAllen, Texas, where soldiers used the system to shoot down cartel-linked reconnaissance drones.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.