Pentagon Task Force to Conduct Laser Counter-Drone Trials in New Mexico

The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 is preparing to test a high-energy laser system against drones at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico this weekend. This exercise aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of advanced counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) capabilities. U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401, emphasizes the collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other interagency partners to ensure these cutting-edge technologies are safe and ready to protect against evolving drone threats. The specific laser system undergoing testing remains undisclosed.

A key aspect of the upcoming trials involves addressing FAA safety concerns, particularly regarding eye safety for aircrews and potential impacts on aircraft during operations. Data will be collected for the FAA using aircraft surrogate models, and the tests will also verify the functionality of the laser systems' automatic safety shut-off features. The focus is on demonstrating built-in safety protocols and training procedures to enable secure and effective operator use, with the laser engaging a variety of drone targets.

High-energy laser systems offer a "soft kill" method for neutralizing small drones by using concentrated beams of light particles to burn them down without expending traditional munitions. This test signifies a continued push towards integrating laser weapons into military services, following recent developments such as the U.S. Army's request for information on acquiring up to 20 high-energy laser weapons for drone swarm defense and the U.S. Navy's successful laser engagement of a drone by the USS Preble.