EL PASO, Texas — U.S. defense and aviation authorities have been in discussions over plans to restrict airspace near Fort Bliss for military drone exercises, officials familiar with the matter said.
The Pentagon proposed temporary closures around the Army installation to test systems designed to detect and disable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The exercises, part of broader counter-drone efforts, required coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) because of the potential impact on commercial and private air traffic.
Officials said the talks focused on safety, legal authority, and the scope of the requested restrictions. The FAA expressed concern about how the closures might affect airline operations, general aviation, and nearby airports. Discussions included altitude limits, time windows, geographic boundaries, and contingency plans for civilian aircraft entering the area.
Pentagon planners refined proposals in response to FAA conditions, addressing radar coverage, communications, and safeguards to ensure civilian aircraft are protected during exercises.
Fort Bliss, a major U.S. Army training hub, already supports both military and civilian flights. The addition of counter-drone testing adds complexity to the region’s airspace. Officials did not provide a public schedule for the tests or details about the systems involved, describing the talks as routine coordination between civil and military authorities.
Sources said the discussions underscore the growing role of unmanned systems in U.S. defense and the oversight responsibilities of the nation’s aviation regulator.
