Full Breakdown
Pentagon and FAA to Conduct Anti-Drone Laser Tests in New Mexico
3/9/2026, 2:27:28 AM
Overview of the Coordination Issues
The Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have agreed to conduct anti-drone laser tests at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on the weekend of March 4-5, 2023. This decision follows two incidents in February that resulted in sudden airspace closures over Texas due to military laser deployments. The tests aim to "specifically address FAA safety concerns," as stated by the military.
Recent Incidents Prompting Action
In early February, the Pentagon permitted U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to deploy an anti-drone laser near Fort Bliss without prior notification to the FAA. This oversight led to the FAA closing airspace over El Paso for several hours, causing significant disruptions, including the cancellation of 14 flights and rerouting of medical evacuation aircraft. The Trump administration justified the deployment as a measure to counteract incursions by Mexican cartel drones, which have been increasingly detected near the U.S.-Mexico border.
A subsequent incident on February 26 involved the military using a laser to shoot down a "seemingly threatening" drone, which was later identified as belonging to CBP. This action prompted the FAA to close airspace around Fort Hancock, approximately 50 miles southeast of El Paso. Under existing regulations, the military is required to formally notify the FAA before any counter-drone actions within U.S. airspace, a requirement that was not met in either incident.
Official Statements and Responses
The FAA expressed appreciation for the coordination with the Department of War, stating, "The FAA and DOW are working with interagency partners to address emerging threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems while maintaining the safety of the National Airspace System." Lawmakers, including Illinois Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, have raised concerns about the lack of coordination between the Pentagon and the FAA, calling for an independent investigation into the incidents.
Senator Ben Ray Lujan, a Democrat from New Mexico, also criticized the airspace closures, questioning why appropriate officials were not notified beforehand, which led to unnecessary chaos for travelers.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have pointed to a broader pattern of coordination failures between the military and the FAA, raising questions about accountability and safety in U.S. airspace. The incidents have highlighted significant gaps in interagency communication, reminiscent of previous safety failures, such as the midair collision near Reagan National Airport last year, which was attributed to a lack of data sharing between the FAA and the Army.
What's Next
The upcoming tests at White Sands are seen as a crucial step toward establishing a formal coordination framework for future laser deployments. This initiative aims to ensure that counter-drone operations can be conducted without disrupting commercial aviation, addressing the safety concerns that have arisen from recent incidents.
