laser Archives

U.S. Air Force Airmen attach balloons to a drone during at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center’s North Training Area, Wyoming, May 15, 2026. The balloons served as aerial targets, allowing defenders to simulate engagements against small unmanned aircraft systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)

U.S. military to host directed energy ‘shoot-off’ amid governmentwide counter-drone push

Officials leading the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 shared new details about that pilot program and other updates on recent progress.

Aug 21, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

Pentagon awards deals for laser weapons that could shoot down drone swarms

Defense officials have long-touted the benefits of directed energy systems such as their high-speed engagement, low cost-per-shot and deep magazines.

Jul 9, 2026 By Jon Harper

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael Aguilar, members of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 and the Federal Aviation Administration, and key leaders from White Sands Missile Range, N.M., support a high-energy laser test using the AMP-HEL system March 7, 2026. (Courtesy Photo)

Pentagon, FAA sign safety agreement over counter-drone laser

“Following a thorough, data-informed Safety Risk Assessment, we determined that these systems do not present an increased risk to the flying public,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said.

Apr 13, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

Texas National Guardsmen look for illegal activity in Brownsville, Texas, September 3, 2025. Guardsmen work alongside the United States Border Patrol to deter illegal activity and enforce U.S. immigration law. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Derek Gutierrez)

Customs and Border Protection personnel — not U.S. troops — used military laser to shoot object near El Paso

Joint Task Force - Southern Border trained CBP personnel on the equipment who used it during the incursion.

Feb 11, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

Army takes another step on path toward producing new drone-killing laser weapons

The service issued a request for information on Oct. 30 to inform an Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) production effort.

Nov 3, 2025 By Jon Harper

Leonidas high-power microwave system (Image courtesy of Epirus)

JCO to host counter-drone swarm technology demo in pursuit of new capabilities

Plans for the gathering come as the U.S. military, Ukraine and other forces have come under attack by groups of unmanned aerial systems. And the Pentagon is…

Aug 8, 2023 By Jon Harper

Vector Sea Depth Topographic Map With Route And Coordinates Conceptual User Interface Blue Abstract Background. — (Getty Images)

Proposed rule would expand Potomac River ‘danger zone’ where the Navy tests emerging tech

Newly proposed rule-making would modify the boundaries of an existing R&D area, and help ensure public safety during Naval operations there.

Dec 12, 2022 By Brandi Vincent

Flight Officer Camron Iverson of the Washington State Patrol tested laser protection lenses formulated at AFRL’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate. (Courtesy photo)

FAA evaluates unique laser-blocking eyewear developed by Air Force Research Lab

Lab officials expect first-round assessments from the FAA soon.

Aug 25, 2022 By Brandi Vincent

China, Russia may soon field more capable counterspace weapons, DIA says

The Defense Intelligence Agency released a a new report on challenges to security in space.

Apr 12, 2022 By Jon Harper