The Pentagon plans to accelerate the deployment of high-energy lasers and other counter-drone systems around key U.S. facilities amid the growing threat from drones. Bloomberg reports, UNN writes.
Details
In the coming days, the U.S. Department of Defense is expected to reach an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration on the use of counter-drone technologies at airports and other facilities.
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This was stated by David Bagnati, who heads the relevant Pentagon task force. According to him, the agreement should help eliminate regulatory gaps that complicate the use of military systems against drones.
Did we ever think that the FAA would be discussing introducing counter-unmanned aircraft equipment into the airspace? This is where we are now. This is where we are headed. I think our interagency partners are with us
The U.S. is expanding its counter-drone capabilities
The decision comes after a series of drone incidents. In particular, at the beginning of the year, the FAA temporarily closed the airspace near El Paso Airport after border agents used a military laser to counter drones without proper coordination with aviation authorities.
In another case, Pentagon personnel accidentally shot down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone with a high-energy laser on the border with Mexico.
According to Bagnati, high-energy lasers have already been approved for use at critical facilities. Powerful microwave systems are also nearing similar authorization.