The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed a temporary flight restriction in Texas after a US military laser system mistakenly shot down a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone. The incident occurred near Fort Hancock, Texas, close to the US-Mexico border, where military personnel deemed the drone a potential threat, ultimately deploying the anti-drone laser weapon in response.
In a troubling development, the CBP failed to notify the Pentagon of its drone operations in the area, leading the military to misclassify the drone as a potential threat. This marked the second incident in recent weeks involving airspace closures due to military laser deployments. The FAA had previously restricted airspace around El Paso on February 10, 2023, following a similar event.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, the drone was operating within military airspace when the laser weapon was activated. The FAA confirmed that no commercial aircraft were present during the engagement. Following the military’s action, the FAA quickly issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) for the Fort Hancock area, citing “special security reasons.” This restriction is currently set to remain in place until June 24, 2026.
The joint statement from the Pentagon, CBP, and FAA acknowledged that the incident arose when the military employed counter-unmanned aircraft system authorities against a “seemingly threatening unmanned aerial system.” The drone, operated by the CBP, was not recognized as a friendly aircraft, contributing to the miscommunication.
Concerns and Accountability
The incident has raised significant concerns regarding communication protocols between the CBP and military agencies. Initial assessments indicate that the mishap can be attributed to the CBP’s failure to inform relevant authorities of its drone activities, which resulted in the military treating the drone as an unidentified threat. The military deployed its LOCUST (Laser-Oriented Counter-UAS System) weapon, which has faced criticism for safety risks associated with its use.
Lawmakers, including Democrats such as Rick Larsen, Bennie Thompson, and André Carson, expressed their outrage, stating their “heads are exploding over the news” and calling for an investigation. While no commercial flights were reported in the vicinity, there are lingering fears about potential collateral damage posed by the laser system. In response, the FAA has indicated it intends to prohibit further testing of the LOCUST weapon until a comprehensive safety review is conducted.
The area surrounding Fort Hancock is known for its high levels of cartel activity, particularly drug smuggling operations run by the Sinaloa Cartel, often utilizing drones. The Pentagon, FAA, and CBP have committed to enhancing cooperation and communication to prevent similar incidents.
The recent downing of the CBP drone marks a continuation of concerns regarding the military’s use of directed-energy weapons. Just two weeks prior, the FAA briefly shut down airspace around El Paso when a similar laser system was used to down a suspected cartel drone, which was later revealed to be a metallic balloon. That incident, too, was executed without prior notification to the FAA, prompting a sudden airspace closure that was lifted hours later.
Both the Pentagon and CBP have indicated to congressional aides that they believe they have the authority to use the laser weapon without needing prior FAA approval. The ongoing dialogue between these agencies highlights the critical need for clear communication to safeguard airspace and prevent unintentional engagements in the future.
