Army’s Laser Weapon Accidentally Hits Own Drones, Forces FAA Shutdown Again

The US Army’s anti-drone laser weapon has struck again, this time accidentally hitting one of its own drones patrolling the US-Mexico border. The incident occurred on Thursday, without FAA approval, and forced a shutdown of nearby Fort Hancock airspace for four months. The Army had detected a drone in the area and decided to take swift action, but unfortunately, the target turned out to be one of its own CBP drones. The incident is the latest in a series of mishaps involving the Army’s laser weapon, which has been criticized for its lack of precision and effectiveness.

The FAA initially shut down El Paso airspace for ten days in response to the incident, a move that was lifted just a few hours later. However, this time around, the agency has taken a more drastic measure, shutting down Fort Hancock airspace for four months. The prolonged shutdown is a significant inconvenience for the local community, which relies on the airspace for commercial and recreational purposes.

The incident highlights the need for greater oversight and regulation of the Army’s laser weapon technology. While the device is intended to defend against enemy drones, it appears to be prone to errors and malfunctions. The FAA’s shutdown of the airspace is a clear indication that the agency is taking the situation seriously and will not tolerate any further incidents.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Army will address the issues with its laser weapon technology. In the meantime, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of careful testing and evaluation of new military technologies.