Use Of Laser Weapons Helping Reduce Illegal Drone Use On Southern Border, DoD CTO Says

The Pentagon's chief technology office said operational laser systems are helping reduce illegal drone activity along the US southern border. Directed energy offers a reusable, low-cost-per-shot means of disabling suitable small aircraft, allowing forces to preserve missiles and gun ammunition while collecting real-world data on tracking, engagement and maintenance. The result supports broader counter-drone adoption but does not make lasers a complete solution: dust, weather, line of sight, dwell time and power availability constrain performance, while positive identification, airspace coordination and non-kinetic alternatives remain necessary for safe domestic operations.