FAA–Pentagon standoff over military laser system forces 10‑day El Paso airspace closure
The FAA ordered a 10‑day closure of El Paso airspace after a military laser counter‑drone system deployed near the Mexican border — initially blamed on cartel drone incursions — posed a “grave risk of fatalities.” The Pentagon defended the unapproved deployment, triggering an interagency standoff and NTSB concern.