US Army tests counter-drone tech at Mexican border as cartel drone use rises

The US Army tested counter-drone systems near the Mexican border during September’s Falcon Peak exercise in Arizona, seeking faster adaptation to growing cartel drone activity. US Northern Command hosted demonstrations of radars, interceptor drones and autonomous gun systems for detecting, tracking and defeating small aircraft. A senior border task-force officer reported 378 incursions in the preceding 30 days, largely involving commercial surveillance drones associated with smuggling and human trafficking. Officials said the border provides an operational environment for equipment evaluation and soldier training, while emphasizing that cartel aircraft differ from sophisticated battlefield drones used in Ukraine.