A federal counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS) task force on Wednesday announced five locations that will test “high-energy lasers and high-powered microwave systems” designed to mitigate drone threats.
The Pentagon plans to conduct “rigorous testing and operational assessments” using the “directed energy” technology, which it aims to deploy operationally this year.
The FAA and Pentagon in March conducted testing of the system at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. They said in April that the testing validated it does not pose “undue risk” to passenger aircraft, approving it for future deployment.
“We showed that directed-energy systems can counter drone threats while preserving the safety of air travelers,” said Army Colonel Scott McLellan, deputy director of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401), which selected the five locations. “This pilot program now allows us to translate that progress into evolving operational capability for the homeland.”
Expanding Counter-Drone Efforts
One of the five sites is Fort Bliss (KBIF) in Texas, where the military reportedly conducted testing of an anti-drone laser in February.
The deployments twice prompted airspace closures near El Paso International Airport (KELP) that caught local officials, airport personnel, and air traffic controllers by surprise. El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said that medical evacuation flights were diverted to Las Cruces, New Mexico, and shipments of medical equipment were delayed while the restrictions were active. The FAA lifted them after a few hours.
It is unclear whether that anti-drone laser used the same technology that will be assessed in the upcoming directed energy tests.
In March, WPTV-TV in Palm Beach, Florida, reported that a directed energy laser was installed across the street from Palm Beach International Airport (KPBI) to protect President Donald Trump and his Mar-a-Lago estate from drone threats. It is unclear when that system was installed or whether it has been activated.
In addition to Fort Bliss, the C-UAS task force selected Fort Huachuca (KFHU) in Arizona, Naval Base Kitsap in Washington, Grand Forks Air Force Base (KRDR) in North Dakota, and Whiteman Air Force Base (KSZL) in Missouri as new test sites for the directed energy technology.
The demonstrations are part of what the Pentagon is calling the “directed-energy C-UAS pilot program.” Per the department, it aims to “accelerate the fielding and evaluation of advanced directed energy capabilities to protect critical infrastructure, military installations and homeland missions.” The program was developed in coordination with the FAA and U.S. Northern Command.
A line item in the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) allocates about $92 million to the research, test, development, and evaluation of “directed energy technology.”
“There is no ‘silver bullet’ to address this challenge, and this pilot program integrates cutting-edge technology into the department’s broader counter-drone toolkit,” said Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401, adding that countering unlawful drone activity is a “homeland defense imperative.”
Federal officials view the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11-July 19, as a prime target for unlawful drone activity.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in December awarded $250 million to the 11 states hosting World Cup matches, as well as to the National Capital Region to secure America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The federal C-UAS task force awarded a further $100 million to those states in April.
Among the technologies stadium security will receive are drone-catching nets and hand-held devices designed to wrest control of a drone from its operator.
