Laser Counter‑UAS System Destroys CBP Drone Near Fort Hancock On February 27 2026 the Department of Defense employed a directed‑energy laser to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection drone operating near Fort Hancock, Texas, marking the first confirmed use of a military‑grade laser against a federal border‑patrol aircraft [1][2][3][4][5]. The strike occurred without disrupting commercial air traffic, and Border Protection declined to comment on the incident [3][4]. Officials described the laser as a high‑risk counter‑unmanned aircraft system (C‑UAS) designed for rapid neutralization of rogue drones [5].

FAA Expands Temporary Flight Restriction Around Fort Hancock The Federal Aviation Administration issued a Special Security Reasons temporary flight restriction (TFR) covering the Fort Hancock area, effective through June 24, 2026, and expanded the restricted zone to prevent further incidents [1][2][3][4][5]. The TFR applies to all non‑commercial aircraft while explicitly exempting scheduled airline flights, which continued to operate normally [1][5]. FAA officials referred all inquiries to the agency’s safety office and indicated the restriction is a precautionary measure rather than a response to an immediate hazard [3][4].

Congressional Leaders Condemn Pentagon Action and Bypass of Training Bill Rep. Rick Larsen, Rep. Bennie Thompson and Rep. André Carson publicly denounced the laser strike, saying “our heads are exploding” and accusing the White House of sidestepping a bipartisan tri‑committee bill on C‑UAS operator training and inter‑agency coordination [1][2][3][4][5]. Senate Aviation Subcommittee chair Tammy Duckworth announced she will request a joint Inspector General investigation of the Fort Hancock and earlier El Paso incidents [5]. The lawmakers’ statements underscore growing tension between defense, transportation, and homeland‑security agencies over drone‑countermeasure authority.

Second Laser Deployment Follows Unsuccessful Fort Bliss Attempt This incident is the second laser deployment in the El Paso region within two weeks; the first, near Fort Bliss, failed to hit a target and forced the FAA to shut down El Paso International Airport airspace for several hours, though commercial flights were later restored [1][3][4]. The recent Fort Hancock strike triggered only a limited, non‑commercial closure, reflecting adjustments in operational protocols after the earlier mishap [1][4]. Both events highlight the rapid escalation of directed‑energy use along the southern border.

Legislation Expands Drone‑Kill Authority and Allocates $500 Million in Grants Two months earlier Congress passed a law authorizing additional state and local law‑enforcement agencies to engage rogue drones, extending powers previously limited to federal entities [1][3][4]. The legislation earmarked $250 million in grants for drone‑defense programs this year, with a matching $250 million slated for later 2026, funding technologies such as high‑powered microwaves and lasers [1][3][4]. Homeland Security reported more than 27,000 drones detected within 1,600 feet of the southern border in late 2024, while the DHS estimates 1.7 million registered drones nationwide, underscoring the perceived need for expanded counter‑UAS capabilities [1][3][4].