Army Combats Cartel Drones Along Southern Border
U.S. Army soldiers are actively countering cartel drones at the U.S.-Mexico border using advanced technology and real-world training.
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U.S. Army soldiers are taking out cartel drones daily along the southern border, according to Acting Secretary of the Army Adam Telle, who visited the Arizona border during a Thursday trip. Telle highlighted the Army’s evolving counter-drone efforts as part of a broader strategy to secure the border and deter hostile actors.
During his visit, Telle observed a counter-drone exercise called Falcon Peak 26.2 at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground. The exercise, organized by U.S. Northern Command, tests various methods to detect, identify, and neutralize small drones. Telle emphasized that lessons learned from global conflicts are being applied to improve real-world counter-drone capabilities.
“We are using lessons learned from ongoing conflicts around the globe to constantly improve our use of low-cost, high-tech capabilities in real-world exercises, not on paper,” Telle said. He added that the Army, under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary of War Hegseth, is strengthening counter-drone efforts to protect the homeland.
Telle also toured a detect-and-monitor site along the southern border, where he met with soldiers working around the clock to prevent unauthorized drone activity. He praised their dedication and acknowledged the increasing threat posed by cartel drones.
Northern Command stated that cartels use drones for smuggling, human trafficking, and surveillance of U.S. troops. Since the start of the year, the Joint Task Force–Southern Border has disabled over 300 drones, with more than 100 intercepted in August alone. In late August, the task force added a mobile high-energy laser to its arsenal, enhancing its ability to neutralize threats.
“The drones keep coming,” said Lieutenant Commander Lauren Cole, deputy director of public affairs for the task force. “They get more creative every day — but so do we.” Cole noted that cartels are adapting their tactics, but American forces are keeping pace with innovation and training.
From August 22 to the current date, the Department of War recorded 378 cartel drones detected at the southern border. The ongoing efforts reflect a growing focus on countering the use of drones by criminal organizations as part of broader border security strategies.
Source: Daily Wire
