US Military Uses High-Energy Laser to Down Three Suspected Cartel Drones

Laser System Intercepts Suspected Cartel Drones

The U.S. military, specifically U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), utilized an Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser System to shoot down three drones. These uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) were suspected of being operated by Mexican cartels for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes along the southern border.

The interceptions took place between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Major General Curtis Taylor, commander of the Joint Task Force for the southern border, stated that cartel networks are increasingly employing UAVs for human smuggling and spying on law enforcement personnel.

Context of Directed-Energy Weapon Deployment

This incident is part of a broader trend of deploying directed-energy capabilities for airspace defense. Previous instances include the Pentagon using a similar system in February to shoot down unknown aerial targets, which were later identified as party balloons. Another event involved the accidental shooting down of a Customs and Border Protection drone.

The military has not released further details about the recent drone shoot-downs, citing operational security and ongoing operations.

Global Adoption of Anti-Drone Laser Technology

Other nations are also developing and deploying anti-drone laser systems. The UK plans to deploy its DragonFire laser weapon on Royal Navy destroyers by 2027. China has developed a backpack-sized, man-portable anti-drone laser system capable of hitting targets up to 1,600 feet away.

While the acquisition costs of these systems can be high, their operational costs are significantly lower than traditional air defense systems like MANPADS. Each laser shot can cost as little as $13, making them a more economically feasible option for defending against drone threats.