# US Shoots Down Drones Near Mexico Border Using High-Energy Laser Military neutralizes cartel drones with advanced laser weapon system in border security operation. - **Source:** [Wired](https://www.wired.com) - **Published:** 2026-09-01 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6563e500-2ffa-4091-abf7-f21c31bac1f8 ## Laser Drone Interception The US Army deployed a High-Energy Multipurpose Laser (AMP-HEL) system to shoot down three drones near the Rio Grande Valley in Texas on August 25-26. Officials stated the drones posed a physical threat to military personnel and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. The operation was conducted by Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) under US Northern Command. ## Locust Laser Technology The Locust Laser Weapon System used in the operation is a 20kW platform mountable on military vehicles. Developed by defense contractor AeroVironment, it detects and tracks targets before precisely focusing a laser beam. An additional electrical charge intensifies the beam to damage or disable targets through heat conversion, with effectiveness varying by distance and exposure time. ## Program Evolution The AMP-HEL program delivered its first functional prototypes to US Armed Forces in September 2025. Two enhanced systems were added in December 2025 as the program expanded. Latest versions feature integrated radar and command systems, enabling seamless incorporation into mobile defense platforms rather than standalone use. ## Cartel Surveillance Threat JTF-SB Commander Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor suggested the downed drones might be linked to Mexican drug cartels. Cartels increasingly use UAVs for human smuggling and surveillance of law enforcement. The laser system forms part of layered countermeasures against these hostile monitoring activities, with appreciation expressed for Mexican Army collaboration. ## Border Security Strategy The operation aligns with President Trump's second-term campaign against illegal immigration and cartels along the US-Mexico border. The administration has deployed various technologies, with high-energy lasers representing just one component of an expanding security toolkit to reinforce border protection measures. ## Operational Details Exact location details and the origin of the intercepted drones remain undisclosed. The official statement didn't specify which AMP-HEL models were deployed, though international media connected the action to Trump's border policies. Mexican Army cooperation highlights the importance of joint efforts against regional security threats. ## Military Tech Advancement High-energy laser systems are becoming pivotal in drone defense. As the US increases investments, systems like Locust provide precise solutions against moving targets. The technology offers scalable effects based on range, exposure duration, and target characteristics, representing a leap in directed-energy capabilities. ## Regional Security Implications The operational deployment of laser defense systems marks a turning point in border security strategies. As cartels enhance their technological capabilities, the US must develop next-gen solutions against asymmetric threats. This incident underscores the decisive role of advanced technology in modern border conflicts and transnational crime prevention. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.wired.com/story/high-energy-laser-us-shoots-down-drones-near-mexico-border/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._