Pentagon Approved Anti-Drone Laser Before Airspace Closure

The Pentagon recently allowed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to use an anti-drone laser system near El Paso, Texas. This decision led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to temporarily close the airspace over the city, according to two officials who spoke anonymously because the details are sensitive.

The situation began on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, when the FAA announced that it would shut down all flight traffic over El Paso for 10 days. The sudden decision left some travellers confused and stranded at airports. However, the closure lasted only a few hours before flights were allowed to resume.

Officials later explained that the temporary shutdown was related to efforts by the FAA and the Pentagon to deal with drones believed to be linked to Mexican cartels. Such drones are reportedly not uncommon along the U.S.-Mexico border and are sometimes used for smuggling or surveillance.

The use of an anti-drone laser system raised safety concerns for civilian aircraft, which led the FAA to close the airspace as a precaution. After reviewing the situation, authorities determined it was safe to reopen the skies over El Paso.

The incident highlights growing concerns about drone activity near the southern border and the challenges of balancing national security with civilian air travel safety.