U.S. Border Task Force Uses Laser to Disable Cartel-Linked Drones Near Southern Border

The military task force responsible for securing the U.S.-Mexico border has deployed a high-energy laser system developed by AeroVironment to disable three drones linked to criminal cartels over two consecutive days. The Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) system was used in response to what officials described as hostile unmanned aerial systems that posed a threat to military personnel and border agents.

This recent deployment follows earlier incidents involving airspace closures due to miscommunication between agencies using similar technology. In February, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) mistakenly identified Mylar balloons as objects of concern near El Paso, Texas, leading to the use of an experimental laser system without proper coordination with other agencies. This oversight caused temporary air space restrictions and prompted criticism from lawmakers concerned about operational safety and inter-agency cooperation.

Military officials emphasize that cartels are increasingly utilizing drones for illicit activities such as human smuggling and surveillance on law enforcement operations. Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB), stated in a press release: "Cartel networks are employing unmanned aircraft systems to facilitate illegal activities and spy on our personnel and law enforcement partners."

The use of high-energy lasers represents a shift towards non-kinetic solutions for countering drone threats, which are seen as more cost-effective compared to traditional missile-based interceptors. Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401), highlighted the importance of piloting these technologies in operational contexts to refine their effectiveness and safety protocols.

Earlier this year, the Pentagon and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) signed an agreement affirming the safety of using high-energy laser systems within national airspace after extensive testing at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. This approval paved the way for more widespread deployment along the southern border, where such technology is being tested to enhance domestic drone defense capabilities.

In addition to AeroVironment’s LOCUST family of high-energy laser systems, JIATF-401 recently awarded CACI International a $500 million contract for its SkyValor system, another non-kinetic jamming solution aimed at disrupting unauthorized drones. The increasing frequency and sophistication of drone usage near the border underscores the urgent need for advanced countermeasures.

U.S. officials estimate that hundreds of drones fly near the southern border each day, necessitating robust anti-drone measures to protect national security interests. The successful deployment of high-energy lasers against cartel-linked drones signals a significant step forward in addressing this emerging threat landscape, though ongoing coordination and testing will be crucial for operational success.

"We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our CBP partners to secure this border, protect our service members, and disrupt these criminal organizations at every turn," Maj. Gen. Taylor concluded, underscoring the collaborative approach required to tackle drone-related challenges along the southern border.