Laser weapon that shut down El Paso's skies was LOCUST system
Thursday, February 12, 2026
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The LOCUST system, developed by BlueHalo and acquired by AeroVironment, was fired by Customs and Border Protection, contradicting Trump administration claims of a "cartel drone incursion" that necessitated a military response, according to sources cited by Axios.
The FAA shut down the airspace around El Paso for nearly eight hours due to concerns over the weapon's use without sufficient coordination, highlighting the need for clearer protocols on directed-energy weapons, with the Pentagon investing around $1 billion annually into the tech.
The incident marks a significant test of directed-energy weapons in frontline use, with the Army exploring the LOCUST system as a cost-effective way to combat drones, and plans for more powerful lasers, ranging from 300-600kW, in forthcoming Trump-class battleships, as reported by Axios and Reuters.
