Summary
The Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plan to test anti-drone lasers in New Mexico following recent airspace closures due to uncoordinated military laser use. These actions highlighted gaps in communication between the agencies, prompting safety concerns and calls for improved coordination.
Key Facts
- The Pentagon and FAA will conduct anti-drone laser tests at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
- Recent incidents saw military laser use shutting down airspace over Texas without proper FAA notification.
- These events showed a lack of coordination between the military and FAA.
- In one incident, airspace closure led to flight cancellations and disrupted medical evacuations.
- The Trump administration said the lasers targeted cartel drones near the U.S.-Mexico border.
- A coordination meeting was scheduled, but laser use occurred without notifying FAA first.
- The laser tests aim to address FAA safety concerns.
- The military must notify the FAA before any counter-drone activity in U.S. airspace, which did not happen in these cases.
