FAA Approves Military Use of Anti-Drone Lasers in U.S. Airspace Following Prolonged Standoff

FAA Grants Military Clearance for Laser Use Against Drones

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized the U.S. military to deploy high-energy lasers against suspected drones in U.S. airspace. This decision, announced on Friday, resolves a two-month dispute that previously led to the suspension of commercial flight operations over the Texas-Mexico border. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that a safety assessment confirmed the military’s anti-drone laser systems do not pose an increased risk to the flying public, as reported by The New York Times.

Background of the Dispute

The conflict began on February 10, when Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials utilized a Pentagon-owned AeroVironment LOCUST laser system to engage what were later identified as metallic balloons near Fort Bliss. In response, the FAA closed airspace within a 10-nautical-mile radius of the El Paso VORTAC, a closure that was lifted hours later following discussions at the White House. This incident resulted in the cancellation of 14 commercial flights and the diversion of medical aircraft.

On February 26, the same laser system was used to shoot down a CBP drone over Fort Hancock, Texas, without prior notification to the Pentagon. This incident prompted another airspace closure, and the destroyed drone was valued at approximately $30 million. The FAA’s actions highlighted a lack of coordination between the military and CBP regarding drone operations.

Safety Review and Clearance Process

In early March, FAA and Pentagon officials conducted a live demonstration of the laser system at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The evaluation involved multiple agencies and lasted two days. During the demonstration, a commercial aircraft inadvertently entered the tracking angle of the laser system, prompting an automated safety inhibit that prevented the laser from firing. This incident addressed FAA concerns and contributed to the safety clearance.

Following the evaluation, Bedford and Army Brigadier General Matt Ross issued a joint statement confirming the safety clearance. The FAA plans to issue an advisory to pilots operating near the southern border to inform them of increased anti-drone laser activity in the area.

Political Implications and Future Considerations

The agreement’s impact on congressional concerns remains uncertain. Senator Maria Cantwell, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, has requested a briefing from both the Pentagon and the FAA regarding the agreement’s development. The sequence of events, including the White House’s involvement in reopening airspace and the FAA’s subsequent reversal, may invite scrutiny regarding the motivations behind the safety finding.

The Pentagon is also considering deploying the LOCUST system at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., due to unusual drone activity in the area. However, the clearance granted for operations near the southern border does not automatically apply to urban deployments, where airspace restrictions and political sensitivities are more complex.

Conclusion

The recent clearance marks a significant development in the FAA’s regulatory approach to military drone operations. While the automated safety inhibit during the evaluation was a pivotal factor in the FAA’s decision, the underlying coordination issues between agencies remain unresolved. The effectiveness of this clearance will depend on the establishment of a robust coordination framework to prevent future incidents.