A Pentagon plan to use a high-energy, counter-drone laser without having coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration about potential risks to civilian flights prompted Wednesday’s unprecedented airspace shutdown over El Paso, Texas, multiple sources told CNN.
Surprise US military plans to use counter-drone laser triggered El Paso airspace closure, sources say
February 14, 2026
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Linda Peacock
A Pentagon plan to use a high-energy, counter-drone laser without having coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration about potential risks to civilian flights prompted Wednesday’s unprecedented airspace shutdown over El Paso, Texas, multiple sources told CNN.
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/02/11/us/faa-el-paso-texas-flight-restrictions-hnk
counterdronedronelaser