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FORT BLISS, Texas — Joint Task Force – Southern Border, operating under U.S. Northern Command in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, used directed energy capabilities to counter three adversarial unmanned aircraft systems this week, defending U.S. military personnel and CBP partners.
During late-night operations on August 25 and 26, personnel employed the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser system to engage and defeat three hostile UAS, which were determined to be operating in direct support of activities posing a physical threat to U.S. military personnel and CBP partners.
“The successful defeat of these adversarial drones is a direct testament to the readiness, vigilance, and technological edge of the JTF,” said Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of JTF-SB. “Cartel networks are increasingly employing unmanned aircraft systems to facilitate illicit human-smuggling and actively spy on our personnel and law enforcement partners. By integrating layered countermeasures alongside advanced directed-energy capabilities like this laser system, we have made it clear that we will not tolerate hostile surveillance. We also greatly appreciate the support of our Mexican Army partners as we work together to combat this threat to the border region.”
Approximately 8,000 service members are currently deployed under JTF-SB across terrain spanning 1,954 miles. Since assuming the mission in March 2025, the task force has reinforced hundreds of miles of the southern border with wire obstacles; conducted tens of thousands of detection and monitoring patrols, including in partnership with the Mexican military; executed thousands of observation flights; and cleared vegetation in remote areas. The operations have enhanced CBP’s situational awareness, accelerated response times, and bolstered efforts to disrupt cartel-led illegal activity at the southern border.
“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our CBP partners to secure this border, protect our service members, and disrupt these criminal organizations at every turn,” said Taylor.
