The US Defense Department and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are set to conduct joint tests of an anti-drone laser system this weekend at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The operation, scheduled for March 7 and 8, follows recent incidents near the southern border that raised safety concerns about counter-drone technologies.
Key Takeaways
The US Defense Department and FAA will jointly test an anti-drone laser system this weekend in New Mexico to address safety concerns after recent incidents near the southern border.
- Pentagon and FAA scheduled tests for March 7-8 at White Sands Missile Range
- Tests aim to gather data on laser effects, validate safety systems, and ensure aircrew eye safety
- Recent drone incidents near Texas-Mexico border prompted calls for improved coordination
- Military used lasers twice in February without prior FAA notification, leading to temporary airspace closures
According to a military statement, these tests aim specifically to address FAA safety concerns while collecting data on the laser's effects on aircraft surrogates. The test will also validate automated safety shut-off systems and inform analyses for aircrew eye safety as part of efforts to safely integrate counter-drone technologies into national airspace.
This joint effort comes after two high-profile incidents involving drones near the southern border prompted calls for Congressional investigations. On February 26, the US military used a laser system to shoot down what was perceived as a threatening drone flying near the U.S.-Mexico border, which later turned out to be operated by US Customs and Border Protection. About two weeks earlier, another use of a military laser system by CBP near El Paso led the FAA to temporarily shut down airspace up to 18,000 feet over the city for about eight hours.
The Defense Department allowed the use of the system around El Paso before meeting with the FAA to review potential safety impacts. The aviation agency imposed a temporary flight restriction in response. This weekend's test appears targeted to address some of these concerns, as both agencies work together to ensure public safety and maintain the integrity of the National Airspace System.
The FAA has expressed appreciation for the coordination with the Department of Defense, emphasizing their joint efforts to address emerging threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems while maintaining airspace safety. Lawmakers have also called for improved coordination following these incidents, highlighting real challenges in operationalizing counter-drone technology. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), ranking member on the Senate's aviation subcommittee, previously called for an independent investigation after the two February incidents.
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