Laser Weapons Slash Border Drone Activity by 75%

Drone activity along the U.S. southern border has decreased by approximately 75 percent since the military began employing a new high-energy laser weapon system to counter unmanned aerial vehicles, according to recent reports. The U.S. military has used the directed-energy weapon to disable or destroy suspected cartel-linked drones, contributing to a significant drop in surveillance and illicit activity. Military officials reported that the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser, deployed along the U.S.-Mexico border, has destroyed 11 drones in the 10 days leading up to early September 2026. These laser engagements are part of a broader effort that has stopped around 300 drones believed to be linked to Mexican drug cartels since the beginning of 2026, with most previously intercepted by electronic jamming tools. The laser system, which debuted operationally on August 25 and 26, 2026, with initial successes taking down three drones, offers a permanent solution compared to jamming, which can merely force a drone to retreat temporarily. Army Col.