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U.S. Army High-Energy Laser Downs Three Suspected Cartel-Linked Drones at Southern Border

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Joint Task Force–Southern Border used the Army’s Multipurpose High Energy Laser system over two days this week to engage three hostile uncrewed aerial systems near the U.S.-Mexico border. The operation was conducted in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection under U.S. Northern Command.

Discovered 2026-08-28T04:36:15.099043-07:00 | 2026-08-28T04:36:15.099043-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • The operation marks a reported real-world use of a U.S. Army high-energy laser against three hostile UAS, providing an operational data point for directed-energy counter-drone capabilities.
  • The missions show Joint Task Force–Southern Border employing military technology in support of Customs and Border Protection against drones described as cartel-linked near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Reported By

Aero-News Aviacionline Defense Scoop AeroTime aviationnews.eu AirForceTimes
Sources Tracked
7
First Seen
2026-08-28T04:36:15.099043-07:00
Latest Update
2026-08-30T21:04:52.626050-07:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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