Eleven Cartel Drones Downed by US Army Laser Near the US-Mexico Border

Combat deployment

According to НВ — Техно: US Army forces have used the AMP-HEL high-energy laser against cartel drones at the Mexico border. Since August, the weapon has destroyed 11 hostile UAVs, a sign that advanced laser systems are becoming operational rather than experimental in air defense roles.

The AeroVironment system, built around LOCUST laser technology, has moved from test environments into routine use. The Joint Task Force Southern Border first confirmed kills of three hostile UAVs during late-night missions on August 25 and August 26. Since then, the confirmed total has grown to 11, indicating that the laser is being actively employed in the field.

How the laser is being used

Transnational criminal groups are increasingly relying on drones for smuggling operations and for keeping watch over border patrols and law enforcement efforts. AeroVironment delivered the first two AMP-HEL prototypes to the US Army in September 2025. These units pair a 20-kilowatt LOCUST laser with infantry squad vehicles built by General Motors Defense, and they completed government acceptance tests at Yuma Proving Ground.

The second phase of the AMP-HEL program saw AeroVironment supply two LOCUST systems mounted on light tactical vehicles. The Army is also negotiating with the company on the E-HEL, a more durable high-energy laser. Any eventual production deal could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, underscoring the military's growing interest in laser weapons and their role in modern defense.

Using AMP-HEL on the US-Mexico border highlights how cutting-edge technology is entering the fight against transnational crime, especially as drones become common tools for illicit activity. Systems like these could reshape border patrolling and security, opening new options for stopping smuggling. Larger investments in laser weapons also point to their future importance in military operations.

As the U.S. Army enhances its capabilities against drone threats, the recent deployment of a reusable interceptor that can eliminate over 50 enemy drones in a single mission marks a significant advancement in aerial defense. This innovation complements the use of the AMP-HEL laser system, showcasing the military's commitment to deploying cutting-edge technologies in combating transnational crime. To learn more about this impressive interceptor, visit the latest update here.