The U.S. Department of Defense, referred to as the U.S. Department of War by the Trump administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration said they have completed a safety assessment of a high-energy laser counter-drone system that validates safety controls that pose no undue risk to passenger aircraft.
The safety assessment wrapped up last month after demonstrations of the system, officials said. The two agencies said they would uphold the highest standard for safeguarding Americans and will build the safety standards into the systems as they are deployed across the country.
“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,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said. “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.”
The department said it would continue to coordinate with the FAA as the system is deployed to ensure civilian aircraft, pilots, navigation equipment and air traffic services are not impacted.
Tests in March were conducted by the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 and the FAA at the White Sands Missile Range. The task force had support and assistance from the White House Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty, as well as the Army Program Acquisition Executive-Fires, Northern Command, and Joint Task Force Southern Border.
“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,” U.S. Army Brigadier General Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401, said. “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.”