US laser used against cartel drones: this is known about AMP-HEL; is the beam visible?
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.
The U.S. Army used a high-energy laser system to shoot down three drug cartel drones flying near the border between Texas and Mexico, according to military authorities. The operation took place during the night of Tuesday and into Wednesday morning, utilizing the Advanced Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) system. This marks the first time the AMP-HEL has been deployed to neutralize drones linked to cartels along the southern border. The AMP-HEL system is part of the LOCUST LWS, a modular directed energy weapon developed originally by BlueHalo and later commercialized by AeroVironment for countering unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS). The system operates differently from the dramatic depictions often seen in science fiction films. As explained by Aaron Westman, an engineer and expert in drone defense and directed energy systems, the actual laser beam is invisible and travels at the speed of light. It can be rapidly turned on and off, with continuous monitoring by safety systems. Westman clarified that the laser beam does not travel indefinitely in a straight line, as commonly imagined. Instead, it forms a cone shape, similar to a sand clock. The central point of this cone, known as the focal point, is adjusted to a specific distance to concentrate energy on the target. Beyond this focal point, the beam spreads out, reducing its intensity significantly within hundreds of meters. This means that beyond the immediate area of impact, the risk posed to other aircraft is greatly minimized due to the inherent physics of the beam. In March, AeroVironment announced the successful delivery of two mobile laser weapon system prototypes to the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities Office and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) as part of the initial prototype build-up for the AMP-HEL program. These prototypes were tested rigorously at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona and subsequently trained with by Army units at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. AeroVironment further stated that in September they delivered the first batch of AMP-HEL prototypes, including two integrated LOCUST LWS systems mounted on General Motors' Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). The second batch, installed on the Oshkosh JLTV platform, features the same 20-kilowatt LOCUST LWS system with an expanded beam director, enhancing lethality. General Curtis Taylor, commander of the Joint Task Force, South (JTF-SB), praised the successful neutralization of the hostile drones as evidence of the joint task force's preparedness, surveillance capabilities, and technological advantage. He noted that cartels increasingly rely on unmanned aerial vehicles to facilitate illegal human trafficking and actively monitor military personnel and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. Taylor expressed gratitude for the support from the Mexican Army, emphasizing collaboration in combating threats along the border region. However, the U.S. Command North spokesperson declined to specify whether the shots were fired over U.S. or Mexican airspace, citing operational security concerns and ongoing operations against cartels and drones. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has previously warned that any unilateral action by the United States on Mexican soil would constitute a serious violation of national sovereignty. Reports from earlier this year indicated that U.S. officials have trained Mexican authorities in neutralizing drones used by cartels, highlighting growing cooperation between the two nations in addressing cross-border threats. Border Patrol officials have acknowledged the increasing use of drones by traffickers to monitor their movements and evade detection. Despite these challenges, they remain committed to defending the border, stating that technology will not deter their efforts. The use of advanced systems like the AMP-HEL represents a critical step in adapting to evolving threats along the U.S.-Mexico border.
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The U.S. military used a laser system called AMP-HEL to shoot down three drug cartel drones near the Texas-Mexico border, according to authorities. The operation took place overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday and marked the first time the system was used against cartel-linked drones in the southern border region. The drones were identified as a physical threat to military personnel and Border Patrol agents. General Curtis Taylor, commander of the Joint Task Force–South, praised the successful neutralization as evidence of preparedness and technological advantage. He noted that cartels increasingly use unmanned aerial systems to facilitate illegal human trafficking and spy on security forces. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that any unilateral U.S. action on Mexican soil would violate sovereignty. The incident highlights growing concerns over cartel use of technology to evade detection.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a joint U.S.-Mexico military operation without overt ideological slant. It reports on the technical capabilities of the U.S. military and the strategic implications for cross-border security, while acknowledging Mexican sovereignty concerns. There is no明显的倾向
Why factuality (85): This article confirms the use of the AMP-HEL laser system by the U.S. Army to destroy three drug-related drones near the U.S.-Mexico border. It references official statements from the North Command and quotes General Curtis Taylor, who emphasizes the success of the operation and the threat posed by
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, quoting officials and emphasizing the operational success without introducing subjective opinion or emotional language. It presents both the military action and the context of the threat posed by cartel drones objectively.
El UniversalIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 808/29/2026
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
Why factuality (75): The article reports on a U.S. military operation using the AMP-HEL laser system to shoot down three drug cartel drones near the U.S.-Mexico border. It cites official statements from the North Command and provides technical details about the system, including its invisibility and rapid activation. Th
Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, presenting the event as a verified military action. While there is some explanatory content about how lasers function, it does not introduce bias or emotional language. The focus is on reporting the event rather than taking sides.
La JornadaIndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 808/28/2026
The U.S. Army has reportedly used laser technology to take down drones operated by drug cartels along the border with Mexico. This action is part of ongoing efforts to counter cartel activities that often involve surveillance and smuggling operations across the international boundary. The use of lasers represents a technological advancement in border security measures aimed at disrupting illegal activities. Such actions highlight the increasing militarization of border control strategies between the United States and Mexico.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on the military action taken by the U.S. Army against cartel drones without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It does not favor one side over another but rather reports on the event itself.
Why factuality (70): The article briefly mentions the U.S. military using a laser to shoot down 'narco drones' along the Mexico border but lacks specific details such as the exact date, the name of the system used (AMP-HEL), or any official statements. This makes it less detailed compared to the other articles, though i
Why objectivity (80): The article is concise and avoids emotional language, focusing solely on the event itself. There is no evident bias or spin, making it relatively objective despite its brevity.
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