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The Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have agreed to conduct anti-drone laser tests in New Mexico. This decision follows two unexpected airspace closures in Texas last month, prompted by the military’s use of these lasers.
The newly scheduled tests aim to directly address safety concerns highlighted by the FAA, according to a military statement released on Friday. These tests are set to occur over the weekend at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
Concerns had been raised by lawmakers regarding the apparent lack of communication after the Pentagon authorized U.S. Customs and Border Protection to deploy an anti-drone laser in early February without notifying the FAA. This oversight led the FAA to temporarily close the airspace over El Paso, disrupting the travel plans of many passengers.
The Trump administration indicated that the lasers were part of efforts to counteract drone activities by Mexican cartels, which frequently occur along the southern border.
On February 26, the U.S. military used the laser to neutralize a drone perceived as a threat near the U.S.-Mexico border. However, legislators later revealed that the drone was actually operated by Customs and Border Protection.
The incident led the FAA to close the airspace around Fort Hancock, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of El Paso.
“We appreciate the coordination with the Department of War to help ensure public safety,” the FAA said of the testing, in a separate statement. “The FAA and DOW are working with interagency partners to address emerging threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems while maintaining the safety of the National Airspace System.”
The military is required to formally notify the FAA when it takes any counter-drone action inside U.S. airspace.
Illinois Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth, the ranking member on the Senate’s Aviation Subcommittee, called previously for an independent investigation after the two February incidents.