US agencies conduct high-energy laser test to advance counter-drone capabilities

A coalition of U.S. defense and aviation authorities conducted a high-energy laser test on March 7–8 aimed at advancing the safe deployment of counter-drone technologies across the country.

The test was led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration as part of a multi-year partnership designed to ensure counter-UAS systems can operate safely within the United States’ national airspace.

The event will take place at White Sands Missile Range and will involve several federal agencies working together to evaluate the operational and safety aspects of high-energy laser technology used to defeat drones.

Interagency collaboration on counter-drone testing

The laser test forms part of a broader initiative involving the U.S. Department of War and the FAA to support the development of counter-drone capabilities while maintaining strict aviation safety standards. The effort has also received support from the White House Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty.

Additional partners supporting the test include United States Northern Command, Joint Task Force Southern Border and the Army Program Executive Office Missiles and Space, which oversees acquisition for Army fires systems.

“This is a critical step in making sure our warfighters have the most advanced tools to defend the homeland,” said Matt Ross, director of Joint Interagency Task Force 401. “By working hand-in-hand with the FAA and our interagency partners, we are ensuring that these cutting-edge capabilities are safe, effective and ready to protect Americans from emerging drone threats.”

Testing safety and operational effects

Officials said the upcoming trials will focus on gathering additional data to address FAA safety concerns while validating the technology’s performance in operational scenarios.

The tests will evaluate the laser’s effects on aircraft surrogate materials, confirm the effectiveness of automated safety shut-off systems, and help inform safety analysis related to aircrew eye protection.

According to organizers, the work builds on decades of earlier testing conducted by the Department of War to refine directed-energy counter-drone systems.

The demonstration will also include observers and technical representatives from several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration, the 国土安全保障省 そして U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Personnel from the New Mexico National Guard will also participate in the event.

Officials say the test highlights the growing federal effort to counter the expanding threat posed by unmanned aerial systems while ensuring the continued safety and sovereignty of U.S. airspace.