EL PASO, TEXAS – U.S. Authorities are grappling with the escalating challenge of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, after a Pentagon test involving a directed-energy weapon backfired earlier this month. The incident, which occurred on at Fort Bliss Air Base, saw the laser system mistakenly target metallic party balloons instead of suspected drug cartel drones, prompting a temporary closure of airspace near El Paso, Texas.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had approved the temporary deployment of a 20-kilowatt laser weapon, known as LOCUST, to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for testing at the Fort Bliss installation, according to the Wall Street Journal. The test’s lack of coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) triggered a response from both the White House and Congress, signaling a potential pattern of similar incidents as the U.S. Ramps up its defenses against UAS.
The incident unfolded just hours before the Department of Defense (DoD) released updated guidance on , empowering installation commanders to take decisive action against drone threats within the homeland. The new policy aims to address what officials describe as an inadequate framework for dealing with the increasingly complex UAS environment. “Our message is clear, Department of War (DoW) airspace is off limits, and our commanders on the ground have the discretion to defend our airspace against all manner of UAS threats,” a DoD Fact Sheet stated.
The updated guidance grants commanders broader authority to extend defensive measures beyond the physical perimeter of military installations, protecting both fixed and mobile assets. This shift comes after years of increasing drone incursions over American military bases, alarming officials and highlighting gaps in existing counter-UAS policy.
The Pentagon’s move to consolidate policies around protecting military facilities follows a recent report from the Defense Department Inspector General, which noted dire gaps in military counter-UAS policy that limited base responses to drone threats. The new guidance, officials say, is intended to give commanders “expanded authority and flexibility needed to dominate the airspace above their installations.”
Countering drones in the U.S. Is a complex undertaking, requiring a delicate balance between protecting military installations and avoiding civilian harm or infrastructure damage. The issue is further complicated by the increasing ubiquity of drone technology, used by both hobbyists and potential adversaries.
The establishment of the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401) in August 2025, led by the Army, underscores the growing importance placed on coordinating c-UAS capabilities across different organizations. JIATF 401 is tasked with proliferating the military’s c-UAS capabilities and working with other agencies to coordinate their employment. According to a JIATF 401 spokesperson, installation commanders are now “fully empowered to develop base defense plans in accordance with their unique capabilities and threats with the support of JIATF 401 and its resources.”
The policy changes follow a June 2025 Executive Order issued by President Trump, titled “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty,” which addressed the growing threat posed by UAS. The Executive Order highlighted the use of drones by criminal organizations, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors for activities such as drug smuggling, surveillance, and potential attacks on critical infrastructure.
In response to the Executive Order, the FBI established the National Counter-UAS Training Center (NCUTC) at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama in December 2025. The NCUTC provides training to state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies on how to detect, identify, and respond to drone threats. Training emphasizes the importance of legal authorization before taking offensive action against drones, acknowledging the complexity of the rules governing such operations.
Further reinforcing the national security concerns surrounding UAS, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated its “Covered List” in December 2025, identifying foreign-made communications equipment and services that pose unacceptable risks to U.S. National security. This action prohibited the future import of both foreign-made UAS and UAS components, citing concerns about data harvesting, remote access, and potential disabling of drones via software updates. However, the ban does not affect previously purchased drones or retailers selling existing stock approved before 2025.
Defense contractors, such as BAE Systems, are actively developing and delivering counter-UAS weapon systems. BAE Systems highlighted the challenges of detecting small, inexpensive drones, which possess minimal radar signatures and often operate at low altitudes within cluttered environments. The company also emphasized the difficulty of distinguishing between hostile and civilian drones, and the compressed decision timelines involved in responding to UAS threats.
On , Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Director of JIATF 401, visited the FBI’s NCUTC in Huntsville to discuss security preparations for this summer’s FIFA World Cup activities. He met with FBI officials and expert instructors involved in a specialized course for local law enforcement in the eleven host cities.
The evolving UAS landscape presents a significant and multifaceted challenge for U.S. National security. The recent policy changes and investments in counter-UAS technology reflect a growing recognition of the need to adapt to this evolving threat and protect critical infrastructure and personnel.
