The government is researching potential industry sources for weapon systems that can fire low-cost munitions against air and missile threats.
Joint Interagency Task Force 401 recently hosted its second interagency summit to accelerate cooperation against rapidly evolving drone threats.
The United States Army's use of high-energy lasers and other anti-drone technology has led to a 75% drop in suspected cartel-linked unmanned aircraft around the U.S.-Mexico border. NewsNation's Ali Bradley reports on the technology and how it is affecting drone traffic in Texas. #drones #cartels #military Get a fast-paced look at the latest from the border to Main Street to the White House on "NewsNation Live" with Nichole Berlie. Weekdays starting at 12p/11C. NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.
The military acquired high-energy laser tech in 2025 and began using it in August, which led to 100 drones being shot down.
Joint Interagency Task Force 401 published its 2026 Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Quick Reference Guide, establishing a shared baseline of technical and tactical knowledge across the joint force and interagency partners.
The military previously used jamming tools to send drones back to their place of origin, but can now eliminate a drone if it feels like a threat from a Mexican cartel.
The U.S. military shot down three cartel-linked drones along the U.S.-Mexico border using a high-energy laser, the military said in a press release.
‘We will not tolerate hostile surveillance’
Service members assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border used the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser system to stop three hostile, unmanned aircraft systems deemed a threat. They were believed to be linked to drug cartels.
The 31st Air Task Force sharpened and refined a layered counter-small unmanned aerial system defense capability, culminating in a kinetic “final denial” live-fire demonstration.