tech
February 14, 2026
Highly classified US laser used on party balloon
The US military used a laser-based counter-drone system to shoot down a party balloon, media reports say
TL;DR
- The US military used a classified laser-weapon system to shoot down party balloons.
- The incident occurred over El Paso, Texas, and triggered an airspace closure.
- The system used was reportedly the AeroVironment LOCUST, a directed-energy weapon.
- Debris analysis revealed the objects were mylar party balloons.
- The FAA reportedly was not cleared for the laser deployment, raising safety concerns.
- Mexico has requested an explanation from the US about the airspace closure, stating no Mexican involvement.
- The incident occurred amid heightened US-Mexico border tensions.
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