FAA, Pentagon Clear Use of Anti-Drone Laser System

Deployment of the weapon forced the closure of civilian airspace in February.

Zach Vasile

Monday, April 13, 2026 at 05:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Silhouette of a drone in flight [Credit: JeShoots/Pexels]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA and Defense Department have concluded that high-energy lasers used to target drones do not pose an "undue risk" to passenger aircraft.
These anti-drone laser systems, which temporarily closed El Paso airspace earlier this year, will continue to be used along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Agencies affirm that proper safety controls are in place to ensure the laser technology does not interfere with civilian air traffic.

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The FAA and the Defense Department have concluded that a high-energy laser used to target drones—and which temporarily closed the airspace over El Paso, Texas, earlier this year—does not pose an “undue risk” to passenger aircraft.

The agencies announced Friday that proper safety controls are already in place to make sure the laser technology does not interfere with civilian air traffic. The weapon will continue to be used along the U.S.-Mexico border, they added.