The U.S. Army Has Deployed Laser Weapons

• 7.09.2026, 12:55

Americans shot down drones at the border with Mexico.

The U.S. Army's AMP-HEL high-energy laser has destroyed 11 drones linked to cartels along the U.S.-Mexico border since operations began in August, according to New Voice.

Thus, AeroVironment’s LOCUST-based system is moving beyond testing and into routine use for countering drones, providing U.S. forces with a cost-effective way to counter recurring threats from UAVs without using missiles, — according to an article in Army Recognition.

These incidents demonstrate that directed-energy weapons are capable of repeatedly neutralizing small drones while performing security missions. This capability allows for the strengthening of a layered air defense system, reserving costly interceptors for more complex targets while simultaneously providing continuous protection against the growing threat posed by low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Southern Border Joint Task Force initially reported that the AMP-HEL system neutralized three hostile UAVs during operations conducted late at night on August 25 and 26; these drones were conducting activities that posed a physical threat to U.S. service members and Customs and Border Protection personnel. The increase in the number of officially confirmed target neutralizations from three to 11 indicates that the use of directed-energy weapons continued after the first operation, transforming what initially appeared to be a limited first use into a sustained combat deployment of an Army laser against unmanned aerial vehicles.

Transnational criminal organizations use drones for activities such as smuggling and surveillance of military personnel and law enforcement officers; this allows operators to track patrols, monitor security posts, and better navigate movements on the U.S. side of the border.