A recent flight ban near El Paso highlighted tensions within the federal government over using high-energy lasers to target drones. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deployed a laser weapon system earlier this week to respond to potential threats from cartel drones. This system, while effective overseas, raised safety concerns domestically, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was not fully on board.
The technology works by pinpointing a drone and using a laser beam to disable it. Tom Karako, a senior fellow at the Center for International and Strategic Studies, explained that because light travels at incredible speed, these lasers can quickly hit their mark. However, confusion arose when CBP ended up disabling at least one party balloon instead of a threatening drone.
Drones have been a persistent issue at the U.S.-Mexico border. According to Austin Doctor from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, they are primarily used by cartels for surveillance to aid in illegal activities such as drug and human trafficking. While weaponized drones have not been used inside the U.S., they are a concern as they are utilized by cartels in Mexico against rivals.
The recent activity has prompted the Pentagon to form a joint task force to better handle drone threats. Retired Air Force General Glen VanHerck noted the importance of empowering this task force to ensure that the right policies are in place to protect critical infrastructure. He advocates for a layered defense system that includes radio frequency techniques aimed at safely disabling drones, as most encountered are commercial types that can be effectively managed through such technologies.
As the government navigates these challenges, the coordination between the FAA and the Department of Defense becomes increasingly crucial. Karako emphasized that efforts to enhance homeland defense, like President Trump’s Golden Dome initiative, hinge on improved communication between these agencies.
The shift in how drone threats are handled is indicative of broader trends in security, as technology evolves and the landscape of risks expands. With increasing drone use, both by criminal organizations and for various legitimate purposes, the dialogue about safety, regulation, and defense continues to be vital.
For further insights on drone technology and its implications, you can explore more on the Department of Defense’s initiatives.
