Military Anti-Drone Testing Triggers Extensive GPS Disruptions in Texas
Widespread GPS disruptions are currently impacting Central Texas and surrounding areas, stemming from military testing of advanced anti-drone systems near Fort Hood. These tests, which employ high-powered jamming and laser-based technologies designed to disable unmanned aircraft, are interfering with GPS signals across a broad geographical region.
Timeline and Affected Areas
The interruptions commenced on February 2 and are projected to persist on Friday and Saturday mornings through February 27, with a final testing phase scheduled from February 23 to 27. The affected zone encompasses major metropolitan centers including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, extending as far north as Oklahoma City. This represents an area exceeding 190 miles in width, potentially impacting numerous GPS-dependent devices.
Operators of aircraft, drones, and other systems reliant on GPS are being strongly advised to anticipate significantly degraded signal accuracy and to implement alternative navigation methodologies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has committed to issuing notices approximately 24 hours prior to each test, although schedules remain subject to change with minimal warning.
Risks and Recent Incidents
A stark illustration of the associated risks occurred recently when the FAA abruptly closed airspace over El Paso. This decision followed a military incident where an anti-drone laser system was deployed against what was later identified as a party balloon, initially mistaken for a potential threat.
This sudden closure, which also extended into neighboring New Mexico, provoked widespread confusion among travelers, airlines, and emergency service providers. It grounded numerous flights, including critical medical aircraft, and drew sharp criticism from lawmakers and local officials.
They highlighted a concerning lack of coordination between the FAA, the Pentagon, and other federal agencies. An anonymous El Paso elected official voiced deep skepticism regarding the official explanations, stating, 'I don't believe anything they're telling us. We're being kept in the dark,' and emphasized that even brief airspace closures can inflict millions in economic damage and delay vital emergency responses.
Nature of the Testing and Broader Context
The scheduled activities are formally described by the FAA as 'GPS interference testing.' This typically involves the military intentionally creating GPS-denied conditions to train personnel and evaluate system performance under compromised signal environments. While specific hardware details remain undisclosed, such exercises generally utilize radio-frequency jamming or spoofing systems designed to overwhelm or confuse GPS receivers.
These tests are likely supported by electronic warfare units aiming to simulate a degraded operational environment. Fort Hood is a regular site for U.S. Army counter-unmanned aircraft training, employing a combination of radar, kinetic interceptors, and electronic warfare tools.
The testing occurs against a backdrop of heightened concern over military counter-drone activity, particularly following the El Paso incident. Unverified reports from several media outlets suggested U.S. Border Patrol may have used a high-powered military laser, initially targeting what was thought to be a cartel drone. Border Patrol has not confirmed any deployment, directing inquiries to the White House when questioned.
Potential Impact and Recommendations
The disruptions could affect a wide array of everyday technologies beyond aviation, including automobiles, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other GPS-dependent devices across the region. However, not all systems are expected to be equally impacted.
Pilots and operators experiencing anomalies with GPS-reliant equipment are urged to report issues diligently through standard FAA procedures. The situation underscores the growing complexities and unintended consequences of deploying advanced military technologies in shared civilian airspace and electromagnetic environments.
