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- Washington
Pentagon Considers Controversial Anti-Drone Lasers for DC
FAA raises safety concerns over potential use near busy airspace
Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:22pm
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The Pentagon is exploring the possibility of deploying a high-powered laser system known as LOCUST to shoot down unauthorized drones near military installations in Washington, D.C. However, the plan faces pushback from the FAA due to safety concerns over the system's potential impact on the heavily trafficked airspace around nearby Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Why it matters
The use of anti-drone lasers in densely populated urban areas raises significant safety and regulatory challenges. Recent incidents, such as the shutdown of the El Paso airport due to a LOCUST laser mistaking a party balloon for a drone, have highlighted the risks of these systems. With a history of aircraft collisions near military bases, the FAA is wary of the potential for further accidents if the LOCUST system is deployed near a major international airport.
The details
The LOCUST laser system is designed to detect and neutralize small drones that may pose a threat to military installations. During recent tests in the New Mexico desert, the system demonstrated automatic shutdown capabilities when a distant aircraft entered the airspace. However, the system's performance in a real-world, heavily trafficked urban environment remains a significant concern for the FAA. The agency is particularly worried about the proximity of Fort McNair, where the LOCUST system may be deployed, to Ronald Reagan National Airport, which is only about 2 miles away.
- Earlier this month, reports surfaced about unidentified drones buzzing near the residences of Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio at Fort McNair in DC.
- Defense and FAA officials gathered for tests of the LOCUST system in the New Mexico desert earlier this month.
The players
Pentagon
The United States Department of Defense, which is considering deploying the LOCUST anti-drone laser system in Washington, D.C.
FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration, which is raising safety concerns over the potential use of the LOCUST system near the heavily trafficked airspace around Ronald Reagan National Airport.
LOCUST
A high-powered laser system designed to detect and neutralize small drones that may pose a threat to military installations.
Pete Hegseth
A Fox News host whose residence at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. was reportedly buzzed by unidentified drones earlier this month.
Marco Rubio
A U.S. Senator whose residence at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. was reportedly buzzed by unidentified drones earlier this month.
What’s next
No word yet on when a decision might be made regarding the potential deployment of the LOCUST anti-drone laser system in Washington, D.C.
The takeaway
The use of high-powered anti-drone lasers in densely populated urban areas like Washington, D.C. raises significant safety and regulatory concerns, particularly due to the proximity of military installations to major airports. The Pentagon and FAA must carefully weigh the potential benefits of such systems against the risks they pose to air traffic and public safety.
