The Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration have agreed to conduct counter-drone laser testing in New Mexico this weekend after two military laser deployments led to sudden closures of Texas airspace.
The tests, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at White Sands Missile Range, are designed to “specifically address FAA safety concerns,” the military said Friday.
The move comes after lawmakers raised concerns over an apparent lack of coordination.
In early February, the Pentagon allowed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to use anti-drone lasers without notifying the FAA.
The oversight closed the airspace over El Paso for several hours, leaving many travelers stranded.
The government said at the time that the measure was aimed at deterring drone incursions by Mexican cartels, which frequently occur along the southern border.
On February 26, the U.S. military used lasers to shoot down an “appearing threatening” drone near the U.S.-Mexico border (Associated Press)
On February 26, the U.S. military used lasers to shoot down a “seemingly threatening” drone near the U.S.-Mexico border. Lawmakers later confirmed the drone belonged to Customs and Border Protection.
The incident led the FAA to close airspace around Fort Hancock, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of El Paso.
A source revealed Associated Press The laser was deployed near Fort Bliss without coordination with the FAA, which subsequently decided to close the airspace to ensure commercial aviation safety.
FAA Administrator Brian Bedford did not consult with White House, Pentagon or Department of Homeland Security officials about the decision, sources told CBS News.
The technology is still being used despite a meeting scheduled for later this month between the Pentagon and the FAA to discuss the issue, the sources added.
“We appreciate the coordination with the Department of War to help ensure public safety,” the FAA said of the test in a separate statement.
“The FAA and the Department of Defense are working with interagency partners to address emerging threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems while maintaining the security of the nation’s airspace system.”
The military must formally notify the FAA when it conducts any counter-drone operations within U.S. airspace.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., ranking member of the Senate aviation subcommittee, previously called for an independent investigation after two incidents in February.
