US News
US military uses high-energy laser to disable drones near Mexico border
Joint Task Force Southern Border intercepted three drones in Texas using directed-energy technology.
The short version
- The US Army used a high-energy laser system to shoot down three drones near the US-Mexico border in Texas between August 25 and August 26.
- Military officials stated the drones posed a threat to US personnel and law enforcement partners in the Rio Grande Valley.
- The operation utilized technology derived from the Army's High-Energy Multipurpose Laser program, including AeroVironment's 20-kilowatt Locust system.
- Authorities have not disclosed the exact location of the shootdown or the origin of the drones.
Key facts
- Joint Task Force Southern Border used a high-energy multipurpose laser to disable three drones in the Rio Grande Valley area between August 25 and August 26.[Wired]
- The military employed technology associated with the Army's High-Energy Multipurpose Laser program, which includes the 20-kilowatt Locust Laser Weapon System manufactured by AeroVironment.[Wired]
- AeroVironment delivered the first prototype systems for the military's laser weapon initiative in September 2025, followed by upgraded versions in December 2025.[Wired]
- Joint Task Force Southern Border operates under US Northern Command.[Wired]
What remains uncertain
- The precise location of the shootdown, the specific operators of the drones, and their point of origin remain unconfirmed.[Wired]
- Task force commander Major General Curtis Taylor suggested the drones could be connected to drug trafficking networks conducting surveillance, but specific ownership was not formally verified in official statements.[Wired]