Pentagon weighs anti-drone laser deployment near McNair base after drone sightings: Report

ISTANBUL

The Pentagon is considering deploying an anti-drone laser system at a Washington military base where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio reside, after reports of unusual drone activity in the area, the New York Times reported Tuesday.

The system, known as LOCUST, would be positioned at Fort Lesley J. McNair, but its proximity to Ronald Reagan National Airport has reignited a dispute with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has raised serious safety objections.

The FAA objected when the Pentagon previously sought to deploy the laser system along the US-Mexico border in the state of Texas, warning of the risk of fatalities or permanent injury to civilians. FAA spokeswoman Hannah Walden said the agency looked forward to working with the Pentagon to protect the homeland "while ensuring the safety of the national airspace system."

The sightings above Fort McNair have prompted concerns about the possible surveillance of two senior national security officials at a time when the US is at war with Iran.

The Washington Post reported that officials considered relocating Hegseth and Rubio, though neither is known to have been moved. An Army task force spokeswoman said there was no credible threat identified but confirmed increased anti-drone activities at the base to protect personnel.

The Pentagon said it was working with law enforcement and interagency partners to monitor and investigate the reported sightings.