Air Force Special Operations Command officials and New Mexico lawmakers conversed in Washington this week to work out how best to transform Cannon AFB, N.M, into its new role as a special operations facility. AFSOC plans to install as host unit at Cannon the 16th Special Operations Wing on Oct. 1. Among potential new requirements for the former fighter base would be hangar space to accommodate AFSOC’s MC-130 aircraft. Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) said in a joint statement with Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), “After this meeting, I’m convinced we’re on track for getting our new mission in a timely fashion.”
Pentagon Task Force, FAA to Test Counter-Drone Laser
March 7, 2026
The Pentagon’s counter-drone task force announced it would conduct a high-energy laser test with the Federal Aviation Administration less than a month after the use of a military counter-drone laser on the southwest border prompted the FAA to shut down the airspace over El Paso, Texas.