Defense agencies from the United States and Mexico have initiated a new strategy titled High Eagle (Águila Alta) to combat the use of drones by criminal organizations involved in human and drug trafficking. This joint operation builds on previous tests of anti-drone technologies conducted along the shared border.
The first phase of the operation occurred between August 31 and September 2, focusing on the border area between San Diego and Tijuana. During this phase, military personnel from both countries monitored commercial drones utilized by criminal groups. Following that, on September 7, a second phase commenced, aiming to neutralize these drones with the aid of fixed and mobile anti-drone systems. This phase will continue until September 21.
While specifics about the technology used in the operation have not been disclosed by Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), U.S. Northern Command has indicated that high-energy lasers may be employed. This advanced technology is capable of detecting, tracking, and disabling drones from afar using concentrated beams of light.
The U.S. Army has developed a laser system known as the Locust platform, which is specially designed for military vehicles. This system has been available since last September when two prototypes were delivered to the armed forces. Although it is unconfirmed if this specific laser system is part of Operation High Eagle, Mexican authorities have increased access to such advanced weaponry. A recent agreement allows the Mexican military to purchase anti-drone systems from the U.S. Army’s digital marketplace at competitive prices.
Officials from both nations emphasized that the primary goal of this cooperation is to enhance efforts against organized crime, particularly concerning drug and human trafficking. Earlier this month, the U.S. Northern Command reported that approximately 300 drones linked to criminal activities have been disabled or destroyed this year, with one third of them downed in August alone, including several tied to cartel operations.
This operation is a result of collaboration between the U.S.-Mexico Bilateral Implementation Group, aiming to strengthen security on both sides of the border while respecting each nation’s sovereignty. The U.S. ambassador to Mexico noted that these agreements bolster the capacity of both nations to tackle cartel-related activities and address shared security risks.
