El Paso Shutdown Puts Focus on Army’s Struggle to Counter Drones

The US military has spent years working to defeat increasingly numerous and capable drones with directed-energy systems that cost less and offer more rounds than traditional missiles. One of those systems was at the center of the confusing airspace closure in El Paso, Texas last week.

A US Army-owned LOCUST system, manufactured by AeroVironment Inc., was used by the Department of Homeland Security to target drones from a site in New Mexico, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity.

But a lack of communication between government agencies meant that DHS’s tests prompted ...