Pentagon-FAA dispute over lasers to thwart cartel drones led to airspace closure, AP sources say

The sudden closure of airspace around El Paso, Texas, by the Federal Aviation Administration stemmed from the Pentagon’s plan to test a laser for shooting down Mexican cartel drones.

Airspace Closure Over Laser Weapon Use A Glaring Example Of Drone Defense Policy Struggles

After years of putting off the drone threat, the U.S. government is trying to do something about it, but policy is struggling to catch up.

Airspace closed due to laser weapon test

The sudden and surprising airspace closure over El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday -- first announced as extending for 10 days but lasting only a few hours -- stemmed from the Pentagon's plans to test a laser to shoot down drones used by Mexican drug cartels,

El Paso airspace closure was tied to Mexican cartel drones, officials say, after FAA lifts 10-day grounding

The Federal Aviation Administration has halted all flights into and out of El Paso until very late on Feb. 20 for what it calls "special security reasons."