Using High-Energy Laser, US Shoots Down Drones Near Mexico Border
The US Army’s laser system is part of a new generation of directed-energy weapons capable of detecting, tracking, and destroying drones with a concentrated beam of light.
On August 25 and 26, a US-led operation utilized a high-energy laser system to shoot down drones near the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, according to authorities. The Joint Task Force Southern Border (JTF-SB), operating under US Northern Command, conducted the mission. The High-Energy Multipurpose Laser (AMP-HEL) system, designed for defense capabilities, was employed in the operation.
The program began in September 2025 when AeroVironment delivered the first two functional prototypes of the laser-based weapons to the US Armed Forces. The Locust Laser Weapon System, mounted on military vehicles, operates at 20 kilowatts and uses a concentrated beam of light to detect, track, illuminate, damage, or destroy targets at a distance.
Information about the origin and exact models used in the operation remains undisclosed. Commander Curtis Taylor of JTF-SB suggested the drones might be linked to criminal cells involved in drug trafficking and operations in Mexico. The operation aligns with President Donald Trump's campaign promises to combat illegal immigration and drug cartels along the US-Mexico border.
Written by urgent.news from Wired's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
