Published：Feb 27, 01:45Last updated：Feb 27, 07:56

Pentagon Laser Shoots Down US Border Patrol Drone

Feb. 27, 2026 01:45

The Pentagon accidentally shot down a US Customs and Border Protection drone on the Texas-Mexico border using a high-energy laser. The incident was reported by sources familiar with the matter and occurred weeks after another event that caused confusion and revealed communication issues among US agencies.

Summarized

10News

8Media

Feb. 27, 2026 07:34

On February 26, the US Department of Defense, FAA, and Customs and Border Protection issued a joint statement about collaborating to address drone threats at the US-Mexico border. They confirmed that a US Customs drone was shot down in an area away from populated zones with no civilian aircraft nearby. The agencies pledged to strengthen cooperation to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Feb. 27, 2026 07:56

The US military reportedly used a laser system to shoot down a drone near the US-Mexico border, which belonged to Customs and Border Protection. This incident led to airspace closures and drew criticism, with lawmakers expressing surprise. The event occurred on Thursday and was published on February 27, 2026, at 07:56.

A high-profile incident unfolded near the Texas-Mexico border when the Pentagon accidentally shot down a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) drone using a high-energy laser system. The event, which took place near Fort Hancock and El Paso, Texas, has sparked significant concern over inter-agency coordination and the use of advanced military technology in domestic airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded by imposing temporary flight restrictions in the affected area. The incident, confirmed by a joint statement from the Department of Defense, FAA, and CBP, has prompted calls for improved communication and operational protocols to prevent similar mishaps in the future.Bloomberg+2

⚡ Laser Incident Details

The accidental shootdown occurred on February 27, 2026, when a Pentagon-operated laser-based anti-drone system targeted a CBP surveillance drone. The drone was operating in a zone away from populated areas, and no civilian aircraft were nearby at the time. The military system, designed to counter potential threats, misidentified the government-operated drone, leading to its destruction. This incident follows a previous controversy regarding the same laser system being tested on non-threatening objects, raising further questions about its deployment and oversight.The Japan Times+2

🛑 Airspace Closures and Security Response

In the immediate aftermath, the FAA closed airspace around Fort Hancock and El Paso International Airport for security reasons. These restrictions were later lifted, but the closures disrupted normal operations and highlighted the challenges of integrating military-grade counter-drone technology with civilian and border security activities. The FAA and Pentagon have not issued detailed public comments, but the joint agency statement emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance safety and coordination.The New York Times+2

🏛️ Congressional and Public Reaction

Members of Congress and congressional aides expressed strong criticism, citing poor communication and coordination between the military and civilian agencies. Lawmakers described the event as an example of incompetence and called for urgent reviews of inter-agency protocols. The incident has intensified scrutiny of military involvement in border security and the risks posed by advanced weapon systems operating in domestic environments. The agencies involved have pledged to strengthen cooperation to avoid future errors.Toronto Star+2

El PasoPentagonFort HancockCustoms and Border ProtectionFederal Aviation Administration