Recent reports from Reuters and The New York Times reveal that the U.S. military accidentally shot down a drone owned by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) near the Mexican border in Fort Hancock, Texas. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to close the airspace where the military deployed an anti-drone laser.
This is the second time in February that airspace near the U.S.-Mexico border has been shut down due to an incident involving an anti-drone laser. Earlier this month, the El Paso International Airport airspace was closed after CBP used an anti-drone laser without FAA coordination, initially thought to be a cartel drone incursion but turned out to be a party balloon.
According to a joint statement from the FAA, CBP, and the Pentagon to Reuters, the military utilized counter-unmanned aircraft system capabilities to address a potentially threatening unmanned aerial system within military airspace. The incident occurred away from populated areas, with no commercial aircraft nearby. Despite the smaller airspace closure and lack of FAA approval, the military proceeded with the action.
Representatives Bennie Thompson, André Carson, and Rick Larsen expressed concerns over the event, highlighting the importance of proper training for C-UAS operators. The incident underscores the significance of maintaining strict protocols and coordination in utilizing advanced technologies like laser-based counter-drone systems.
Source: The Verge