Military's Drone War Tech Outpaces Safety Rules

The U.S. military has significantly advanced its arsenal of anti-drone technologies, including lasers, jammers, and high-powered microwaves. However, the development of corresponding safety rules and procedures for operating these weapons in civilian airspace has not kept pace. This gap was exemplified by the recent closure of airspace over El Paso, with conflicting reports suggesting either a drug cartel drone incursion or the testing of new military counter-drone systems.

The military's race to develop anti-drone capabilities, spurred by threats from groups like the Islamic State and recent attacks in Ukraine, has resulted in advanced systems. These include radar-guided lasers capable of destroying drones and microwave devices that can fry their electronics. This rapid build-up has created a challenge for the Defense Department, as most developed weapons are designed for war zones and their safe domestic use remains unclear.

Concerns have been raised about the potential risks these technologies pose to civilian aircraft. For instance, lasers could travel long distances, and jammers could interfere with commercial airliner controls. The closure of El Paso's airport, situated near a military installation, may have been a precautionary measure due to detected threats from military defenses. Addressing the growing drone threat and the systems designed to counter them requires urgent collaboration between military and civilian authorities.