Army Laser System Cuts Drone Activity Along the Rio Grande Valley

On August 25, the U.S. Army fielded its Multipurpose High-Energy Laser (MHEL) along the U.S.–Mexico border. Within the first ten days the system destroyed 11 drones that officials said were linked to drug-cartel surveillance operations. Military officials reported that drone activity in the Rio Grande Valley fell by roughly 75 percent after the laser entered service.

Interesting EngineeringArmy Says Border Laser Cut Drone Activity 75%

Cartel groups have been using small quadcopter drones to locate U.S. troops and law-enforcement positions, enabling smugglers to avoid heavily patrolled areas. Prior to the laser, the Army relied mainly on electronic jamming, which can force a drone to retreat but does not prevent the same aircraft from returning on a later flight. The MHEL provides a “hard-kill” capability that physically disables a target, eliminating the possibility of reuse.

Interesting EngineeringArmy Says Border Laser Cut Drone Activity 75% Stars and Stripes

• Engagements: 11 drones destroyed in a 10-day period (military officials).

Army Says Border Laser Cut Drone Activity 75%

• Cumulative interceptions: About 300 drones believed to be cartel-linked have been stopped since the start of 2026, most through jamming, with the laser handling a growing share.

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• Effect on activity: Reported 75 percent decline in drone flights across the Rio Grande Valley (military officials).

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• Cost: Each laser shot costs roughly $3, while a complete system is estimated at $17.4 million to $25 million.

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• Operational limits: Rain, vapor and other atmospheric conditions can scatter the beam, reducing its effectiveness; the system is not suited to every weather scenario.

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Army Col. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a safety risk assessment after earlier incidents involving the laser near civilian airspace. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that the assessment concluded the systems do not present an increased risk to the flying public. The Army also noted that coordination with the FAA occurs before and after each engagement to protect civilian aircraft.

Army Says Border Laser Cut Drone Activity 75%

The 75 percent reduction figure lacks a publicly released baseline, as the military has not disclosed daily detection counts. Consequently, the magnitude of the decline cannot be independently verified.

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• “When you just send it back and then it comes back up or is defeated temporarily, but the game changer is ensuring that that tool can’t be used again against you,” — Army Col. Robert Felicio

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• “The game changer is ensuring that that tool can’t be used again against you,” — Army Col. Robert Felicio

Army Says Border Laser Cut Drone Activity 75%

• “Following a thorough, data-informed Safety Risk Assessment, we determined that these systems do not present an increased risk to the flying public,” — FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford

Army Says Border Laser Cut Drone Activity 75%