The U.S. Army used a high-energy laser system called AMP-HEL to shoot down three drones linked to Mexican drug cartels flying near the border between Texas and Mexico during the night of Tuesday and early Wednesday. The operation was confirmed by the North American Aerospace Defense Command and Northern Command of the United States. The AMP-HEL system is part of the LOCUST LWS, a directed energy weapon developed by BlueHalo and commercialized by AeroVironment for countering unmanned aerial systems. According to Aaron Westman, an engineer specializing in anti-drone systems, the laser beam itself is invisible and travels at the speed of light. Unlike science fiction depictions, the beam has a 'hourglass' shape, with the central point of focus adjusted to target specific distances. Beyond this focal point, the beam naturally disperses, reducing its intensity significantly within hundreds of meters. This limits potential damage to aircraft beyond the targeted area.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of a military operation involving advanced technology deployed against drug cartel drones. It includes technical explanations from industry experts and does not exhibit overtly biased language or selective sourcing. The content remains neutral in tone, focusing




