The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of War (DOW) have completed a thorough safety assessment of a high-energy laser counter-drone system designed to eliminate threats in U.S. airspace. The assessment confirmed that appropriate safety controls are in place and that, while these systems are at the cutting edge of counter-drone technology, “they do not pose undue risk to passenger aircraft.” The FAA made the announcement in a press release on Friday.
The FAA and the DOW completed the safety assessment after observing demonstrations of the system last month. “This administration upholds the highest standard for safeguarding Americans and will build in this methodology from the start for systems employed in the U.S. Homeland,” the FAA said.
“The FAA’s top priority is protecting the safety of the American flying public, and we value the collaboration with the Department of War in that effort,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “Following a thorough, data-informed Safety Risk Assessment, we determined that these systems do not present an increased risk to the flying public. We will continue working with our interagency partners to ensure the National Airspace System remains safe while addressing emerging drone threats.”
"This successful test showcases the significant advancements we’re making in counter-drone technology to ensure that our warfighters have the most advanced tools to defend the homeland," said U.S. Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, director of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401). "By working hand-in-hand with the FAA and our interagency partners, the Department of War is proving that these cutting-edge capabilities are safe, effective, and ready to protect all air travelers from illicit drone use in the national airspace."
The DOW will continue to coordinate with the FAA to safely employ this system and ensure that civilian aircraft, pilots, navigation equipment, or air traffic services are not impacted.
Testing Event or Mexican Cartel Drone?
In February, El Paso International Airport was forced to close
after a threat was detected in U.S. airspace. The Trump administration said the
threat was a Mexican cartel drone that breached U.S. airspace. However, multiple
news reports reported that the airspace closure was imposed because the
Pentagon was testing new laser technology on a party balloon, which was
initially mistaken for a drone.
Future Counter-Small Unmanned Aerial Systems
In no relation to the El Paso event, the Army’s JIATF 401 had
already scheduled an industry day meeting in March to bring together defense
contractors and technology firms to discuss Counter-Small Unmanned Aerial
Systems. Registration for the meeting closed well ahead of schedule, underscoring
surging demand in the defense sector.
In a statement, a task force representative said, “Thank you
for your interest. Registration is now closed, as we have reached our maximum
attendance capacity before the stated RSVP timeline.”
Labeled an “unclassified” meeting, the industry day was
designed to foster collaboration between the private sector and the U.S.
Department of War to counter small unmanned aerial systems.
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