FAA and DOW Complete Safety Assessment for High-Energy Laser Counter-Drone Systems
Summary
The FAA and Department of War completed a safety assessment validating that high-energy laser counter-drone systems do not pose undue risk to passenger aircraft. Following demonstrations observed last month, the agencies determined proper safety controls are in place for systems employed in U.S. homeland defense. DOW will continue coordinating with FAA to ensure civilian aircraft, pilots, navigation equipment, and air traffic services are not impacted.
What changed
The FAA and Department of War completed a safety risk assessment validating that high-energy laser counter-drone systems do not present increased risk to the flying public. The agencies conducted demonstrations and determined proper safety controls are in place for systems employed to protect the U.S. homeland from illicit drone threats.
This agreement primarily affects government agencies involved in national security and airspace management. DOW will continue coordinating with FAA to safely employ these systems while ensuring civilian aircraft, pilots, and air traffic services are not impacted. No immediate compliance obligations are imposed on private industry, though entities operating in affected airspace should monitor for any future operational restrictions.
What to do next
- Monitor for updates on counter-drone deployment coordination
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Apr 11, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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FAA and DOW Sign Landmark Safety Agreement to Protect Southern Border
Friday, April 10, 2026 WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of War (DOW) completed a thorough safety assessment of a high-energy laser counter-drone system. This assessment validated that proper safety controls are in place and that while these systems are at the cutting edge of counter drone technology, they do not pose undue risk to passenger aircraft.
The FAA and the DOW completed the safety assessment after observing demonstrations of the system last month. This Administration upholds the highest standard for safeguarding Americans and will build-in this methodology from the start for systems employed in the U.S. Homeland.
“The FAA’s top priority is protecting the safety of the American flying public, and we value the collaboration with the Department of War in that effort,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “Following a thorough, data-informed Safety Risk Assessment, we determined that these systems do not present an increased risk to the flying public. We will continue working with our interagency partners to ensure the National Airspace System remains safe while addressing emerging drone threats.”
"This successful test showcases the significant advancements we’re making in counter-drone technology to ensure that our warfighters have the most advanced tools to defend the homeland," said U.S. Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401. "By working hand-in-hand with the FAA and our interagency partners, the Department of War is proving that these cutting-edge capabilities are safe, effective, and ready to protect all air travelers from illicit drone use in the national airspace.”
The DOW will continue to coordinate with the FAA to safely employ this system and ensure civilian aircraft, pilots, navigation equipment, or air traffic services are not impacted.
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