Pentagon Responds to Cartel Drone Threats with Anti-Drone Tech Development

• •The Pentagon is prioritizing anti-drone technology development due to cartel threats.
• •Mexican cartels are reportedly enhancing their drone capabilities by learning from the Ukraine conflict.
• •Cartel drones are being used for attacks, raising security concerns at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Pentagon has issued a memo directing the Defense Department to expedite the development of anti-drone technologies in response to the increasing use of drones by Mexican drug cartels. The memo, from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, identifies delays in counter-drone systems as an operational risk. Concurrently, a federal assessment highlights that cartels are advancing their drone capabilities, reportedly gaining insights from the Ukraine conflict. These advancements include using sophisticated drones capable of carrying explosives and evading anti-drone measures. The U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation, as cartel drones have been used for attacks on rival organizations. The memo emphasizes the need for rapid response to the evolving drone threat landscape.