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4h ago

Pentagon and FAA Set Weekend Test of Counter-Drone Laser at White Sands

The event aims to answer FAA safety questions raised by recent Texas laser incidents.

The Pentagon building is seen in Arlington, Virginia, U.S, April 6, 2023. REUTERS/Tom Brenner
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A drone that was shot down with a laser is seen during the DOD Lab day at the Pentagon April 25, 2019, in Washington, DC.
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Overview

  • Joint Interagency Task Force 401 will conduct high‑energy laser safety testing with the FAA on March 7–8 at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
  • The tests will measure material effects on aircraft surrogates, validate automated safety shut‑off functions, and inform analyses for aircrew eye protection.
  • Officials describe the work as part of a multiyear Pentagon–FAA effort to safely integrate counter‑UAS capabilities into the national airspace.
  • Task force director Brig. Gen. Matt Ross called the testing a critical step for homeland defense and said events were planned before the Texas incidents to improve interoperability and information‑sharing with the FAA and services.
  • The announcement follows scrutiny after two border‑region episodes last month, including the mistaken shootdown of a CBP drone near Fort Hancock and a separate El Paso airspace restriction triggered by a laser engagement with party balloons.