U.S. Military High-Energy Laser System Accidentally Downs CBP Drone Near Fort Hancock, Texas, Prompting FAA Airspace Closure
Congressional aides stated the incident occurred in an area frequently used by drug-cartel drones crossing from Mexico.
SOUTHWEST BORDER — The U.S. military employed a high-energy laser-based counter-unmanned aircraft system that accidentally shot down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone in the vicinity of Fort Hancock, Texas, on February 26.
Congressional aides briefed on the matter stated the incident occurred in an area frequently used by drug-cartel drones crossing from Mexico.
The Federal Aviation Administration responded by issuing a Temporary Flight Restriction that bars all flights in the expanded Fort Hancock airspace, citing special security reasons.
The closure does not affect commercial flights at nearby El Paso International Airport. This marks the second such laser-related airspace disruption in Texas this month.