By September 7, 2026, military officials reported a significant decrease in drone activity at the southern border in the Rio Grande Valley due to the deployment of a high-energy laser weapon system. The system successfully took down three drones on August 25 and 26, following months of training. This training included an incident that led to the temporary shutdown of El Paso’s airport by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Since the deployment, coordination with the FAA ensures the laser does not pose a risk to civilians.
The U.S. military already employs jamming technology to reroute drones that appear daily. The laser offers an option to destroy drones perceived as threats. As of early 2026, the military has intercepted 300 drones associated with cartels, including eleven neutralized by the laser over a ten-day period.
Army Col. Robert Felicio, commander of the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, noted a significant change in drone activity since the laser’s introduction. Although he did not reveal the daily number of incursions, Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot reported approximately 1,000 drone incursions per month to lawmakers in 2024.
Despite acknowledging that other factors might contribute to the reduction, Felicio attributed part of the decrease to the laser system’s effectiveness. Cartels might be seeking alternative routes, but the fall in drone activity followed the laser’s deployment.
How the Laser System Works
During a test witnessed exclusively by CBS News, soldiers deployed a quadcopter drone over an empty field near the border wall. Soldiers in a vehicle tracked the drone using an Xbox controller linked to a camera feed on an electronic device. Upon securing the target, they activated the laser, which struck the drone with an invisible heat beam, causing a brief flash of light. Upon recovery, the drone showed a damaged propeller and was missing its battery.
The laser system, produced by AeroVironment, operates at multiple sites along the border. The Army recently awarded AeroVironment a contract worth $465 million for high-energy lasers. According to Army Lieutenant Owen Farquer, soldiers find using the Xbox controller intuitive.
Cost-effectiveness and Limitations
The laser system is not a comprehensive solution due to limitations such as reduced effectiveness in adverse weather conditions. Still, officials find it cost-effective. Individual units cost approximately $17.4 to $25 million, with each shot costing around $3. In contrast, other air defense systems require interceptors costing millions per use.
The laser poses risks if used near civilian areas. In February, concerns arose regarding potential misfires that could impact civilian aircraft. Col. Felicio assured coordination with the FAA to comply with safety requirements before employing the laser.
While it remains unspecified which border side the recent take-downs occurred, U.S. authorities collaborate with Mexico on tracking threats.
Drone Threats from Cartels
Cartels utilize drones to surveil U.S. personnel, avoiding areas where smuggling risks increase. Army Lt. Col. Ray Richards emphasized the financial impact on cartels due to the disruption of drones at the border. Richards pointed to a substantial financial disruption for cartels, as about 75% reduction affects their activities significantly.
A report from the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center revealed that armed drones used by cartels in Mexico have caused fatalities, affecting rival groups. Between 2021 and 2025, 221 incidents resulted in 77 fatalities.
U.S. military officials assess the threat posed to around 8,000 service members and law enforcement staff along the border. Col. Felicio showed CBS News an overlook in the Rio Grande Valley, highlighting the proximity between U.S. personnel and drone operation sites. Though no drones appeared during the visit, military personnel tracked the same drone passing three times nearby.
Felicio explained that repeated drone appearances necessitate the laser’s intervention. He emphasized the importance of stopping drones long-term rather than simply rerouting them back to cartel use.