Cape Canaveral

The US Space Force is acquiring directed-energy laser systems to shoot down drones flying over Cape Canaveral, Florida, home to a major space launch complex. The weapons are intended to protect rockets, spacecraft and infrastructure from small unmanned aerial threats near the busy spaceport. Details on which systems will be fielded and when remain limited, but the move reflects growing concern about drone threats to critical launch sites.

The US Space Force has installed laser systems at Cape Canaveral following roughly 500 drone flights in the port area. The move is being read as a response to growing drone traffic near the launch site, with counter-drone defenses intended to protect launches and restricted airspace.