The WSJ learned about the use of secret U.S. weapons on balloons

The US Customs and Border Protection Service used an experimental laser system against several balloons, mistaking them for drug cartel drones, which led to the temporary closure of the airspace of a significant part of southern New Mexico. The Wall Street Journal wrote about this on February 12.

According to the publication, last month, Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth approved the transfer of the highly classified Locust laser system to AeroVironment for use at Fort Bliss in El Paso. In turn, the customs notified the Federal Aviation Administration of its intention to use the laser in the area of the base.

The management opposed it, pointing out the possible risks to civil aviation, however, according to the publication, the warning was ignored. After using the system and hitting several objects that the operators mistook for drones of the Mexican cartel, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ten-day notice on the closure of airspace over El Paso. At the same time, according to the newspaper, the White House, the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security were not notified in advance.

According to the newspaper, we are talking about a classified military development that could pose a "serious danger to commercial aviation." The incident caused disruptions in the operation of the El Paso airport and a resonance in Washington, including the Pentagon, where they tried to establish the circumstances of the incident and identify those responsible.

Hacking with a beam: which countries in the world have combat lasers

Advanced developments are in a high state of readiness.

The Associated Press reported on February 11 that disagreements between the Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) The United States over the testing of laser weapons against drones led to the closure of airspace over El Paso (Texas) and most of southern New Mexico. It is clarified that the testing was carried out without prior approval from the FAA, which required to ensure the safety of tests for civil aviation.

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