US Army Deploys Counter-Drone Laser System Near El Paso Airport

Seven-hour airspace shutdown caused by use of AeroVironment's LOCUST laser weapon

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The U.S. Army deployed AeroVironment Inc's LOCUST laser counter-drone weapon system near El Paso International Airport on Wednesday, leading to a seven-hour airspace shutdown. The use of the 20-kilowatt LOCUST direct-energy weapon is a rare known example of the U.S. deploying cutting-edge counter-drone technology to address concerns over drone activity, particularly around airports and large events.

Why it matters

The deployment of the LOCUST system near the El Paso airport highlights the growing need for effective counter-drone technology to address security concerns, especially in sensitive areas like airports. This incident showcases the U.S. military's efforts to develop and field advanced systems to combat the rising threat of drones, which has become more urgent ahead of major events like the FIFA World Cup and America250 celebrations.

The details

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted air traffic for more than seven hours in and out of El Paso earlier on Wednesday after raising concerns that the Army's laser-based counter-drone system, housed at Fort Bliss adjacent to the airport, could pose risks to commercial air traffic. AeroVironment, a Virginia-based drone and counter-drone manufacturer, delivered its first two LOCUST systems to the U.S. Army in September 2024 as part of the Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser prototyping effort.

  • On Wednesday, the U.S. Army deployed the LOCUST counter-drone laser system near El Paso International Airport.
  • The FAA halted air traffic in and out of El Paso for more than seven hours due to concerns over the Army's laser-based counter-drone system.
  • AeroVironment delivered the first two LOCUST systems to the U.S. Army in September 2024 as part of the Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser prototyping effort.

The players

AeroVironment Inc

A Virginia-based drone and counter-drone manufacturer that delivered the first two LOCUST systems to the U.S. Army in 2024.

U.S. Army

Deployed the LOCUST laser counter-drone weapon system near El Paso International Airport, leading to a seven-hour airspace shutdown.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Halted air traffic in and out of El Paso for more than seven hours due to concerns over the Army's laser-based counter-drone system.

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What’s next

The U.S. military and government agencies will likely continue to evaluate and refine the use of advanced counter-drone technologies like the LOCUST system to address security concerns, particularly around critical infrastructure and high-profile events.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing importance of developing effective counter-drone capabilities to protect sensitive areas like airports, as the threat of drone activity continues to rise. The deployment of the LOCUST system near El Paso showcases the U.S. government's efforts to stay ahead of this evolving security challenge.