Army Laser Downs Cartel Drones, Border Incursions Drop About 75 Percent
The Army's high-energy laser has downed cartel-linked drones along the southern border, and military officials say drone activity probing the border has fallen about 75 percent since the system's first use on August 25-26.[1]
Officials say the laser has shot down 11 cartel-linked drones in roughly 10 days.[1] The Army has deployed multiple LOCUST-based laser units along the border and this week awarded a $465 million high-energy laser contract to manufacturer AeroVironment.[1]
On August 25-26 the Army's high-energy laser system first downed three suspicious drones in the Rio Grande Valley.[1] After a training episode that briefly closed El Paso's airport earlier this year, the military now coordinates with the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce risks to civilian flights.[1]
Officials say the drop in drone activity has eased some tactical pressure on border units, but they add that forces will keep adjusting as smugglers try new methods.
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On August 25-26, 2026, the Army's high-energy laser system first downed three suspicious drones along the southern border in the Rio Grande Valley.
- Military officials say drone activity probing the border has since fallen by roughly 75 percent, and the laser has shot down 11 cartel-linked drones in about 10 days.
- The Army has deployed multiple LOCUST-based laser units along the border and this week awarded a $465 million high-energy laser contract to manufacturer AeroVironment.
- Following a training episode that briefly closed El Paso's airport earlier this year, the military now coordinates with the FAA to mitigate risks to civilian aviation.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time