# US uses laser to shoot down cartel-linked drones on Mexico border for first time

https://mins.news/en/item/43808

- TASS, 2026-09-03 13:33 UTC
- Tech
- Original: https://tass.com/world/2182185

> The US Army used an AMP-HEL laser system for the first time to intercept three drones believed to have been launched by Mexican drug-cartel members in early August. The Pentagon said future combat operations will involve both kamikaze drones and lasers, and plans to procure large numbers of unmanned systems and countermeasures.

## Related coverage

- [Lasers down 11 cartel drones along southern border, US military says](https://mins.news/en/item/45699) — Reuters, 2026-09-04
- [The Army used a 20-kilowatt laser to take out three drones](https://mins.news/en/item/42231) — Ars Technica, 2026-09-02