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US laser used against cartel drones: this is known about AMP-HEL; is the beam visible?
MX🏛️ PoliticsCenter5 hr. ago

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.

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3 reports

El Universal logoEl UniversalIndependentCenter5 hr. ago
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.

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

El Universal logoEl UniversalIndependentCenter12 hr. ago
US laser downs Mexican cartel drones at southern border, reports Northern Command; used AMP-HEL system for first time

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

La Jornada logoLa JornadaIndependentCenter17 hr. ago
U.S. Army used lasers to shoot down cartel drones on the Mexican border

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.

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