McALLEN, Texas — The U.S. military has reported a roughly 75% decline in drone surveillance activities along the southern border since deploying high-energy laser weapon systems, officials told CBS News. The reduction follows the system’s initial operational debut on August 25 and 26, when it successfully neutralized three suspicious drones after months of training.
Col. Robert Felicio, commander of the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, described the shift as “significant.” While he declined to provide current daily figures, he noted that the drop occurred shortly after the lasers entered service. Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, head of U.S. Northern Command, had previously stated in 2024 that approximately 1,000 drone incursions occur at the southern border each month.
The Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser System operates by directing an invisible, instantaneous heat beam at targets. During an exclusive test viewed by CBS News, operators tracked a small quadcopter using an Xbox controller and a camera feed before engaging it with the laser. The only visible effect was a brief flash; recovered drones showed damaged propellers and missing batteries.
The system, based on technology produced by AeroVironment known as LOCUST, offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional jamming methods. While jamming can temporarily disable drones, allowing them to return later, the laser permanently destroys the threat. The Army recently awarded AeroVironment a $465 million contract for high-energy laser production, and multiple units are now stationed along the border.
Military officials acknowledged that other factors, such as cartels altering their routes, may also contribute to the decline. However, they emphasized the strategic advantage of permanent neutralization. “When you just send it back and then it comes back up… the game changer is ensuring that tool can’t be used again against you,” Felicio said.
The deployment has required close coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure civilian safety, following earlier concerns about potential risks to aircraft. FAA officials had previously raised alarms after an incident earlier this year led to the temporary closure of El Paso’s airport during drone-related tests.
Experts note that while the laser is not a “silver bullet” due to limitations posed by weather conditions like rain or vapor, it represents a vital addition to border defense tools. Each shot costs approximately $3, compared to millions for traditional interceptor missiles, according to industry sources.
Cartel-linked drones are primarily used to survey U.S. troop and law enforcement positions, aiding smuggling operations. Additionally, a Department of Homeland Security-funded report highlighted that armed drones have been used by cartels in Mexico, resulting in 77 fatalities between 2021 and 2025. Officials warn that disrupting this surveillance capability has a significant financial impact on criminal organizations.
Finally, some actual hardware to counter the drone threats. Good riddance to the jamming systems that just reset them.
Will these lasers work effectively during heavy rain or fog? Weather seems like a major vulnerability here.
I’m skeptical about the 75% figure. Cartels likely just changed routes rather than giving up entirely.
Wait, they controlled the laser target with an Xbox controller? I need to try that at home immediately.
Thirty dollars per shot instead of millions? That is a massive budget saver for taxpayer money.