Military sees 75% decline in drones at US-Mexico border since laser rollout

Published September 8, 2026 11:11am ET | Updated September 8, 2026 11:11am ET



U.S. military officials have seen a 75% decline in Mexican drone sightings at the U.S.-Mexico border in the two weeks since debuting a high-energy laser weapon system to disable the small unmanned aerial systems, according to a new report.

Military stationed at the border in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas used a new type of technology on Aug. 25 and 26 to take down three suspicious drones in U.S. airspace, likely operated by the cartels on the south side of the international border.

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