Joint Task Force – Southern Border (JTF-SB), operating under US Northern Command in support of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), shot down three “cartel-linked” uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) using directed energy capabilities this week.
During the operation, which spanned 25 and 26 August, JTF-SB personnel used the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) system to engage and defeat three UAS, determined to be hostile “based on their use in direct support of activities posing a physical threat to US military personnel and CBP partners”.
Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of JTF-SB said cartel networks are increasingly employing UAS to facilitate illicit human-smuggling and actively spy CBP personnel and law enforcement officers.
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Image: Joint Task Force – Southern Border personnel use the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser system on 25 August 2026. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Daniel Huerta)
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