FAA Says Military Can Use Anti-Drone Lasers in U.S. Airspace

13 hours ago (nytimes.com)

The Russo-Ukrainian War has increasingly made the view of drones as weapons a consensus, and it may not be long before we see them regulated like firearms (to be fair, the kinetic energy carried by an FPV drone racing at 200 kph is no less than that of a .50 bullet). In China, starting from the 1st of next month, the "strictest new regulations" on drones will be implemented immediately. Taking the capital Beijing as an example, after May 1st, the issue is not whether you can apply for a flight permit, but a comprehensive ban on possession. Those entering Beijing from other regions will also undergo strict security checks to detect if they are bringing any in. This is bad news for travelers who bring drones abroad and need to transit through Beijing.

What could possiblye go wrong?

  • “…the F.A.A. determined that the risk would be minimal even if the laser came into contact with an airplane”

    I’m curious to know more about the testing. Was it only done on airliners, or GA aircraft, too?