JIATF-401, FAA to Conduct Advanced Counter-Drone Laser Test at White Sands Missile Range

View Online IMMEDIATE RELEASE JIATF-401, FAA to Conduct Advanced Counter-Drone Laser Test at White Sands Missile Range March 6, 2026 Joint Interagency Task Force 401 and the Federal Aviation Administration will conduct a high-energy laser test on March 7-8, 2026, to continue advancing the safe use of counter-unmanned aerial systems in the United States. This test is part of a long-term, multi-year partnership between the Department of War and the FAA to ensure counter-drone technologies are safely integrated into the national airspace. The plan has been jointly developed by a wide range of stakeholders, with support from the White House Task Force to Restore American Airspace Sovereignty. Key partners supporting the JIATF-401 laser test include the FAA, White Sands Missile Range, the Army Program Acquisition Executive-Fires, Northern Command, and Joint Task Force Southern Border. "This is a critical step in making sure 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, we are ensuring that these cutting-edge capabilities are safe, effective, and ready to protect Americans from emerging drone threats. Our measure of success is to quickly deliver state-of-the-art C-UAS capability to the warfighter, and this test furthers that mission." The test is a continuation of extensive testing conducted by the DoW over the last few decades. Earlier tests provided valuable data, further refining the system's capabilities and advancing the collaborative effort between DoW and the FAA. This upcoming event will specifically address FAA safety concerns while gathering data about the laser's material effects on aircraft surrogates, validating the functionality of automated safety shut-off systems, and informing analyses for aircrew eye safety. To maximize collaboration, representatives from the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and the New Mexico National Guard will be in attendance. The test underscores an ongoing unified federal effort to counter threats posed by unmanned aerial systems while maintaining the sovereignty and safety of U.S. airspace.

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