The Pentagon and Federal Aviation Administration announced Friday they have approved the use of anti-drone laser systems along the southern border following a comprehensive safety review.

The two agencies completed a thorough safety assessment of high-energy laser counter-drone systems in New Mexico last month, according to their joint announcement. The approval comes after an interagency dispute over the deployment of such weapons near civilian airports.

The controversy led to temporary airspace closures in Texas earlier this year, with the FAA shutting down airspace twice due to concerns about the laser systems' proximity to airports. The closures highlighted tensions between military security operations and civilian aviation safety requirements.

The safety assessment process involved testing and evaluation of the laser systems' potential impact on aircraft operations and pilot safety. High-energy lasers can pose risks to aviation if not properly coordinated, as they can potentially interfere with aircraft systems or pilot vision.

The approval allows the Defense Department to proceed with counter-drone operations using laser technology as part of border security efforts. The systems are designed to disable unmanned aircraft that may be used for surveillance or other unauthorized activities along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Both agencies emphasized that the deployment will follow strict safety protocols to ensure civilian aviation operations remain unaffected while military forces can respond to drone threats in the border region.