Pentagon, FAA sign agreement on using anti-drone lasers along southern border

The Pentagon got the green light to employ a high-energy laser counter-drone system along the southern U.S. border after military officials reached a safety agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration, officials said Friday.

The agencies signed the agreement after watching a demonstration of the laser system last month.“While these systems are at the cutting-edge of counter-drone technology, they do not pose an undue risk to passenger aircraft,” Defense Department officials said in a statement.

“This administration upholds the highest standards for safeguarding Americans, and will build on this methodology from the start for systems employed in the U.S. homeland.”

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said his agency’s top priority is ensuring the safety of the flying public. 

“We determined that these systems do not present an increased risk to the flying public,” he said. “We will continue working with our interagency partners to ensure the National Airspace System remains safe while addressing emerging drone threats.”

Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of Joint Interagency Task Force 401, said the successful test showcases the significant advancement of counter-drone technology. His Army-led agency is tasked with developing and destroying counter-drone technology.

“By working hand-in-hand with the FAA and our interagency partners, the [Department of Defense] is providing that these cutting-edge capabilities are safe, effective, and ready to protect all air travelers from illicit drone use in the national airspace,” Gen. Ross said.