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El Paso Airspace Closure Sparks Drone Defense Concerns

2/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

An airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, and New Mexico raised concerns about U.S. anti-drone defenses.
The FAA planned a 10-day closure due to potential drone incursions but lifted it after eight hours.
Customs and Border Protection used the LOCUST system to disable a drone that turned out to be a party balloon.
Lawmakers requested a briefing on communication failures amid scrutiny of laser-defense use after a fatal helicopter accident.

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Story summary

An airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, and New Mexico raised concerns about U.S. anti-drone defenses.
The FAA planned a 10-day closure due to potential drone incursions but lifted it after eight hours.
Customs and Border Protection used the LOCUST system to disable a drone that turned out to be a party balloon.
Lawmakers requested a briefing on communication failures amid scrutiny of laser-defense use after a fatal helicopter accident.