A training exercise involving a new laser weapon at Fort Bliss in Texas led to the temporary closure of El Paso airport, as communication from the Pentagon to the FAA was lacking, resulting in confusion.
On Wednesday, confusion reigned at El Paso International Airport when operations were halted due to emergency measures executed by airport management. The airport's airspace was closed up to 18,000 feet following a lack of communication from the Pentagon regarding a training exercise involving a powerful laser weapon taking place at the nearby Fort Bliss military base. The expected risks to air traffic surrounding the airport were underestimated by the Pentagon, which caused a significant disruption to aviation in the area.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received information about the training exercise from an unspecified source, contrary to the Pentagon’s earlier belief that there would be no danger posed to air traffic. As a result of this communication breakdown, the FAA decided to suspend flights for up to ten days, although the actual airspace closure lasted only a few hours, according to reports from CNN. This incident highlights the critical need for clear lines of communication between military operations and civil aviation authorities, emphasizing the potential implications and dangers of miscommunication.
Reports indicate that the testing involved the AeroVironment LOCUST laser weapon designed specifically for drone defense. Prior to this incident, the type of laser weapon had not been publicly seen, raising concerns about its deployment and testing near civilian air traffic. As U.S. security services continue to innovate in military technology, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for coordination and transparency with civilian air traffic systems to avoid similar future disruptions.
