U.S. Military Uses High-Energy Laser to Down Cartel Drones on Southern Border

Fort Bliss, Texas — U.S. military forces used a directed-energy laser system for the first time to shoot down three drones deemed hostile during an operation along the southern border, U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) announced.

The operation took place in the early hours of Aug. 25 and 26 as part of the Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB), which works in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

According to USNORTHCOM, the drones were detected from Fort Bliss, Texas, and classified as adversary aircraft because they were allegedly linked to activities that posed a physical risk to U.S. troops and CBP agents.

Military officials said the devices were being used in support of criminal organizations, including human smuggling and surveillance of law enforcement movements in the border area.

Laser System Marks First Deployment

Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of JTF-SB, said criminal groups have increased their use of drones in recent operations. In response, U.S. forces have strengthened detection and response capabilities, including the new laser system.

Taylor highlighted that the integration of directed-energy laser systems is part of a layered defense strategy against such threats. He also acknowledged collaboration with the Mexican Army and thanked Mexican forces for their support in the region.

What Is the AMP-HEL?

The system used in the operation is known as AMP-HEL, short for Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser. It is a directed-energy technology developed to locate, track, and neutralize unmanned aircraft.

The deployment of AMP-HEL marks a significant step for security operations along the southern border, as it is the first documented use of this system against drones in that area.

Unlike conventional weapons, the laser engages targets with directed energy, offering a high-precision response and avoiding the use of traditional ammunition in certain situations.

The three drones were neutralized in the final hours of Aug. 25 and the early hours of Aug. 26, after military personnel determined they posed an imminent threat to U.S. forces and CBP agents.