Drone activity at U.S.-Mexico border drops 75% after U.S. uses laser weapon, military says
September 7, 2026 / 9:27 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- U.S. military reports a 75% decrease in drone activity at the southern border's Rio Grande Valley following the deployment of a high-energy laser weapon system.
- The laser system, operational since late August, has successfully downed three drones and is used in coordination with the FAA to ensure civilian safety.
- The military has intercepted 300 cartel-linked drones this year, with the laser system accounting for eleven in a recent ten-day period.
- The laser system, a version of LOCUST produced by AeroVironment, operates using an intuitive controller, similar to video game consoles.
- While effective, the laser's performance can be impacted by atmospheric conditions like rain or vapor.
- The system is considered cost-effective, with individual unit costs estimated between $17.4 to $25 million and each shot costing around $3, compared to millions per interceptor for other air defense systems.
- Cartels use drones for surveillance to avoid U.S. service members and law enforcement during smuggling operations and have also used armed drones within Mexico for attacks.
- Disrupting drone capabilities has a significant financial impact on cartels.