The Pentagon is considering deploying a high-power anti-drone laser system at Fort Myer, located in the southwest of Washington, D.C., following recent abnormal drone activities around the base. Sources familiar with the matter said the Army is assessing the feasibility of placing the system near the residences of Hegg and Rubio, as officials are concerned that drones might be used to surveil senior U.S. national security officials should conflict erupt between the United States and Iran. The military stated that no credible threats have been identified so far, but enhanced anti-drone measures have been implemented to protect the safety of service members and residents on the base. However, this proposal has sparked new aviation safety controversies. Fort Myer lies just about two miles from Reagan National Airport. Previously, the deployment of such laser systems along the U.S.-Mexico border had caused intense disagreements between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pentagon: the FAA expressed concerns over potential impacts on flight safety in busy airspace, while the Pentagon sought to leverage this technology to counter drug cartels' drone reconnaissance. According to sources, the FAA and the Department of Defense are nearing an agreement on using laser systems in border regions, but introducing them into the core airspace of the nation's capital would inevitably make Washington’s already highly sensitive air traffic management even more complicated.
Image source: internet
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861236279405771/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author