US Army Used Laser System to Down Three Drones Near Border
The US Army employed a high-energy laser weapon to shoot down three drones near the US-Mexico border. Officials stated the drones posed a physical threat to military and border patrol personnel.
The US Army successfully used a high-energy laser system to neutralize three drones near the US-Mexico border between August 25 and 26. Authorities confirmed that the drones were "posing a physical threat to US military personnel and CBP partners," referring to Customs and Border Patrol.
The operation, conducted in the vicinity of the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, was led by the Joint Task Force Southern Border (JTF-SB), operating under US Northern Command. The technology deployed was derived from the Army’s High-Energy Multipurpose Laser (AMP-HEL) system, part of a program to develop new defense capabilities using directed energy.
Information suggests the AMP-HEL program began with initial prototype deliveries from defense technology company AeroVironment in 2025. Improved systems were subsequently delivered as the program expanded. The Locust Laser Weapon System, a variant mentioned, is designed for vehicle mounting, a configuration employed by the Army.
This incident marks a significant deployment of directed energy weapons for counter-drone operations in a sensitive border region. The system is intended to provide a rapid and precise response to aerial threats.