U.S. Army tests laser and sensor systems to counter cartel drone incursions

In September, the U.S. Army conducted the Falcon Peak exercise at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, to assess a range of counter-drone solutions against Mexican cartel aircraft that are being used for drug smuggling and border surveillance. Over a 30-day period from late August to late September, military sensors logged 378 drone incursions, roughly 12.6 per day, underscoring a persistent threat. Participants tested laser-based systems that have already disabled 11 drones, offering a cheaper alternative to missile interceptors, though they require clear line-of-sight and substantial power.

The demonstration also featured technologies from Anduril, Teledyne, AeroVironment, Allen Control Systems and Powerus, each offering different detection or interception methods. While one outlet focus is on low-cost commercial drones, the Army hopes the lessons learned will translate to defending against more sophisticated aerial threats in future conflicts.