Pentagon Mulls Anti-Drone Lasers Near Rubio, Hegseth Homes

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Pentagon is considering deploying 'powerful' anti-drone technology to the Washington, D.C. base where Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth live, according to a report in The New York Times. Officials are looking to send the laser system to Fort Lesley J. McNair, where several drones of unknown origin were spotted earlier this month.

Why it matters

The proposal to deploy the anti-drone lasers near the homes of high-profile cabinet members highlights growing concerns about the security risks posed by unauthorized drone activity, especially in sensitive airspaces around the nation's capital. However, officials are also reportedly wary that such a move could complicate the high-traffic airspace over D.C.

The details

According to the Times report, the Pentagon is considering sending the laser system to Fort McNair, which is located less than four miles away from the White House. This comes after drone sightings prompted officials to consider moving Rubio and Hegseth for their own safety, though they ultimately were not relocated. Drone sightings have also been reported at other military installations, such as Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, where service members were given a shelter-in-place order earlier this month.

• Earlier this month, drones of unknown origin were spotted over Fort McNair in Washington, D.C.
• On March 9, service members at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana were given a shelter-in-place order after an unmanned aircraft was spotted in the sky.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Officials will need to weigh the security benefits of deploying the anti-drone lasers near the homes of top cabinet members against the potential complications it could cause in the busy airspace over Washington, D.C.