DoD and FAA conduct high-energy laser test for counter-drone systems
Joint Interagency Task Force 401, a US Department of Defense’s (DoD) unit for countering small uncrewed aerial systems (C-sUAS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have conducted a high-energy laser test to advance the “safe use” of C-UAS in the US.
Conducted on 7-8 March 2026, the test is part of a long-term, multi-year partnership between the DoD and the FAA on the safe integration of counter-drone technologies into national airspace.
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The test examined FAA safety issues, collected data on the laser’s material effects on aircraft surrogates, validated automated safety shut-off systems and informed analysis of aircrew eye safety.
A group of stakeholders developed the plan with support from the White House Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty.
Key partners supporting the JIATF-401 laser test include the FAA, White Sands Missile Range, the Army Program Acquisition Executive-Fires, Northern Command and Joint Task Force Southern Border.
JIATF-401 director and US Army brigadier general Matt Ross said: “This is a critical step in making sure our warfighters have the most advanced tools to defend the homeland.
“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.”
The test continues work carried out by the DoD over the past decades. Earlier tests produced data that helped refine the system’s capabilities and supported joint work between the DoD and the FAA.
Representatives from the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection and the New Mexico National Guard attended the event.
In February this year, JIATF-401 took part in a multi-day C-sUAS Threat Simulation Exercise to test and evaluate technologies intended to protect the National Capital Region.
