Following Advanced Counter-Drone Laser Test at White Sands Missile Range, FAA and Pentagon Sign Landmark Safety Agreement to Protect Southern Border

Building on recent testing conducted right here at White Sands Missile Range, federal agencies have been steadily advancing the safe integration of counter-drone technologies into the national airspace. Earlier this year, Joint Interagency Task Force 401, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and a broad coalition of defense and homeland security partners, carried out a high-energy laser test designed to evaluate both operational effectiveness and aviation safety.

(Courtesy Photo By Sgt. Raquel Birk, 5th Armored Brigade) The 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Base Defense Operations Center crews observed a mobile-low, slow, small, unmanned aircraft integrated defeat system live-fire to instill confidence in kinetic systems capable of shooting down one-way UAS attacks during pre-deployment Green Sands training Continental United States at McGregor Range Complex, New Mexico March 4, 2024.

That effort focused on validating automated safety systems, assessing potential impacts to aircraft, and addressing FAA concerns about aircrew and airspace risk—laying the groundwork for the latest milestone in the federal government’s push to counter emerging drone threats while maintaining the safety of the flying public across our broader community and beyond.

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of War (DOW) completed a thorough safety assessment of a high-energy laser counter-drone system. This assessment validated that proper safety controls are in place and that while these systems are at the cutting edge of counter drone technology, they do not pose undue risk to passenger aircraft.

The FAA and the DOW completed the safety assessment after observing demonstrations of the system last month. This Administration upholds the highest standard for safeguarding Americans and will build-in this methodology from the start for systems employed in the U.S. Homeland.

“The FAA’s top priority is protecting the safety of the American flying public, and we value the collaboration with the Department of War in that effort,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “Following a thorough, data-informed Safety Risk Assessment, we determined that these systems do not present an increased risk to the flying public. We will continue working with our interagency partners to ensure the National Airspace System remains safe while addressing emerging drone threats.”

“This successful test showcases the significant advancements we’re making in counter-drone technology to ensure that our warfighters have the most advanced tools to defend the homeland,” said U.S. Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401. “By working hand-in-hand with the FAA and our interagency partners, the Department of War is proving that these cutting-edge capabilities are safe, effective, and ready to protect all air travelers from illicit drone use in the national airspace.”

The DOW will continue to coordinate with the FAA to safely employ this system and ensure civilian aircraft, pilots, navigation equipment, or air traffic services are not impacted.