The US Army is testing new counter-drone systems along the US-Mexico border as criminal groups increasingly use commercially available drones for surveillance linked to smuggling and human trafficking.
During the Falcon Peak exercise in Arizona in September, defence companies demonstrated radar systems, interceptor drones and automated weapons designed to detect, track and disable small unmanned aircraft. Army officials said they detected 378 drone incursions in the 30 days before the exercise, with the number continuing to rise.
The military has already begun deploying laser technology against the threat. Officials said 11 cartel drones had been brought down by lasers since the systems were deployed along the southern border in August.
US military planners are also drawing lessons from Ukraine, where the rapid development and adaptation of drone and counter-drone systems has transformed battlefield operations. Although officials say cartel drones are considerably less sophisticated than those used in military conflicts, the border provides an opportunity to test equipment under real operating conditions.
The exercise also highlights the Pentagon’s growing relationship with private defence technology companies, including firms developing autonomous aircraft, detection systems and counter-drone weapons.
For the US military, the border has become an important testing ground as inexpensive commercial drones increasingly create security challenges beyond traditional battlefields.
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