US Army turns border with Mexico into a war lab with drones
The US Army is facing a sharp increase in hostile drone activity along the southern border with Mexico, operated by drug cartels. Within 30 days, 378 drone incursions were identified, used for surveillance and coordinating smuggling. The army shot down 11 drones using lasers and is testing advanced interception measures inspired by Ukraine.
The United States Army is turning the southern border with Mexico into a live war lab, following a sharp increase in hostile drone activity operated by drug cartels. According to data released by the US Army during a large-scale technological exercise called "Falcon Peak" held in Arizona, within just 30 days, no fewer than 378 drone incursions into the airspace were identified. These devices, most of which are commercial drones purchased in stores, are used by criminal organizations as eyes for coordinating smuggling and human trafficking. Since August, the army has shot down 11 drones using advanced laser systems. The Pentagon is testing additional innovative measures, including radar systems, interceptor drones, and autonomous machine guns like the "Bullfrog" system, aiming to adopt the pace of innovation from the fighting in Ukraine.