US Government Counter-Drone Testing Disrupted DC Flights in 2025

Faulty alerts from testing of new laser-based technology led to flight crews aborting landings and executing go-arounds.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced to briefly close El Paso airport due to safety concerns over the U.S. Army's testing of new counter-drone technology at nearby Fort Bliss. This was not the first time government testing of counter-drone systems had impacted flights, as similar issues had previously occurred near Reagan Washington National Airport, leading to flight crews receiving faulty alerts and aborting landings.

Why it matters

The disruption of flights due to government testing of counter-drone technology raises concerns about the coordination and safety protocols between federal agencies and the FAA. It also highlights the potential risks posed by the interference of these systems with the critical aircraft collision avoidance technology used by pilots.

The details

In March 2025, testing of counter-drone technology near Reagan Washington National Airport by the U.S. Secret Service and Navy led to numerous flight crews receiving faulty alerts of potentially nearby aircraft, causing some flights to abort landings. This was due to the government testing using the same spectrum band as the aircraft's alerting system, leading to interference. A similar incident occurred in January 2025, when a fatal collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army helicopter killed 67 people.

  • In March 2025, testing of counter-drone technology near Reagan Washington National Airport led to faulty alerts and aborted landings.
  • In January 2025, a fatal collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army helicopter killed 67 people.
  • In February 2026, the FAA briefly closed El Paso airport due to safety concerns over counter-drone testing at nearby Fort Bliss.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

U.S. Secret Service

The U.S. federal law enforcement agency that is responsible for protecting the President, Vice President, and other high-ranking officials.

U.S. Navy

The naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Senator Ted Cruz

A Republican senator from Texas who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee.

U.S. Army

The land-based branch of the United States Armed Forces.

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What they’re saying

“The FAA had previously warned the Navy and the Secret Service against using that specific spectrum band due to interference risks.”

— Senator Ted Cruz, Chair, Senate Commerce Committee (Reuters)

“The testing was inappropriate and 'deeply disturbing' after a January 2025 fatal collision of an American Airlines regional jet and an Army helicopter killed 67 people.”

— Senator Ted Cruz, Chair, Senate Commerce Committee (Reuters)

“The Secret Service has been coordinating with the FAA to ensure our systems do not interfere with FAA frequencies or commercial air traffic operations.”

— Secret Service spokesperson (Reuters)

What’s next

The FAA and federal agencies involved will likely continue to investigate the incidents and work to improve coordination and safety protocols to prevent future disruptions to commercial air traffic.

The takeaway

The disruption of flights due to government testing of counter-drone technology highlights the need for better coordination and safety protocols between federal agencies and the FAA to ensure the integrity of critical aircraft collision avoidance systems and the safety of commercial air travel.