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US Tests High-Energy Laser to Counter Drones

March 9, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

The Pentagon and FAA plan to test a high-energy laser counter-drone system.
Testing aims to determine safe use without disrupting civil aviation.
Recent incidents in Texas highlighted coordination problems among agencies.

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Strategic Implications

This testing may indicate a significant step towards operationalizing counter-drone technology, which could enhance national security but also suggests potential risks to civil aviation. The outcome may influence the development of safety protocols and regulations for directed-energy systems, which could impact their adoption by military and border-security agencies.

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What Happened

Pentagon And FAA Collaborate On Safety Protocols For Directed Energy Technology

The US Pentagon and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are set to conduct tests of a high-energy laser designed to counter drones, following recent incidents in Texas that exposed coordination problems among federal agencies. The testing, scheduled for White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, aims to determine if the US military can use directed-energy counter-drone technology without creating unacceptable risk for civil aviation. The goal is to create a framework that would let the FAA clear the technology for use without having to approve each deployment individually, as reported by AeroTime.

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