Military Laser Downs CBP Drone on Mexican Border in Mistaken Strike
A US military laser system accidentally took down a Customs and Border Protection drone near the Mexican border, sparking airspace closures and conflicting reports on the incident.
In a concerning incident along the US-Mexico border, the US military mistakenly shot down a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone using a high-energy laser system. The strike, which occurred in an area known for incursions by Mexican drones used by drug cartels, has raised questions about the coordination and safety protocols governing the use of advanced anti-drone technologies near civilian airspace.
The Accidental Takedown
According to congressional aides who spoke to Reuters, the Pentagon utilized a laser-based anti-drone system to bring down the CBP drone near the border in Fort Hancock, Texas. The CBP uses such drones to monitor and track people crossing the border from Mexico, making this a particularly sensitive incident.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) quickly moved to close off some of the airspace along the border in the aftermath of the strike, issuing a temporary flight restriction for
Source: Ars Technica
