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US Army Using 20-Kilowatt Laser Shoots Down Three Drones Near Border

Operation marks first known combat deployment of AeroVironment’s LOCUST laser weapon system

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By LineZotpaper
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The US Army has successfully used a 20-kilowatt high-energy laser to shoot down three drones near the US-Mexico border, in what appears to be the first operational use of the directed-energy weapon. The incident occurred between the night of August 25 and the early morning of August 26 in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, under the command of the Joint Task Force Southern Border (JTF-SB).

According to official reports, the drones were “posing a physical threat to US military personnel and CBP partners,” referring to Customs and Border Protection. The operation used technology derived from the Army’s High-Energy Multipurpose Laser (AMP-HEL) program, specifically the Locust Laser Weapon System developed by defense contractor AeroVironment.

The first two functional prototypes of the laser-based weapons were delivered to the US Armed Forces in September 2025, with two improved systems following in December of the same year. The system is designed to be mounted on military vehicles, as demonstrated in this operation.

The deployment marks a significant milestone for directed-energy weapons, which have long been in development as a potential low-cost countermeasure against drone swarms. The success of this mission could accelerate the Army’s efforts to field laser weapons for border security and other defense roles.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • This is the first confirmed combat use of a high-energy laser by the US military, validating years of research and development.
  • Drones pose a growing threat to military and border security, and lasers offer a potentially low-cost, endless-ammunition alternative to missiles or guns.
  • The operation demonstrates that the technology has moved from prototypes to real-world deployment, likely leading to broader adoption.

Background

The US military has pursued directed-energy weapons for decades, but only recently have advances in power and cooling made battlefield lasers feasible. The threat from small, cheap drones—often used for surveillance or attacks—has accelerated the push for directed-energy countermeasures. The Army’s AMP-HEL program and AeroVironment’s LOCUST system are part of this trend, aiming to mount lasers on vehicles for mobile defense.

Key Perspectives

US Army / JTF-SB: The operation is seen as a successful test of a new capability that can protect personnel and infrastructure from drone threats without the cost of traditional munitions. Critics / Skeptics: Questions remain about the system’s effectiveness in adverse weather, its cost per engagement, and the potential for escalation if adversaries develop countermeasures such as reflective coatings or faster drones. AeroVironment: The company has positioned itself as a leader in laser weapon systems, with the LOCUST platform already being delivered to the Army as part of an expanding program.

What to Watch

  • Further tests or operational deployments of the LOCUST system, especially in different environments.
  • Budgetary moves by the Pentagon to increase funding for directed-energy weapons.
  • Reports of drone incidents along the border—whether the visible use of lasers deters future threats.

Sources

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Articles published under the Zotpaper byline are synthesized from multiple source publications by our AI editor and reviewed by our editorial process. Each story combines reporting from credible outlets to give readers a balanced, comprehensive view.

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