FAA and Defense Department Finalize Laser Drone Defense Protocols at Border

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Defense have reached a consensus on the deployment of high-energy laser systems to neutralize drones at the southern border. This decision follows a safety assessment confirming that the use of lasers does not pose significant risks to commercial air traffic. The agreement comes after a temporary airspace closure over El Paso in February, which disrupted airport operations for several hours. The military will maintain coordination with the FAA to ensure the safety of passenger flights while addressing drone threats effectively.

Key Details: • FAA and Department of Defense completed safety assessments on laser systems. • Airspace over El Paso was temporarily closed in February due to drone defense activities. • Coordination between military and FAA will ensure passenger aircraft safety.