US Military Tests Counter-Drone Technology at Southern Border

The US military is utilizing the southern border as a testing ground for counter-drone technology due to increasing threats from cartel surveillance drones. General Gregory Guillot, commander of US Northern Command, emphasized the need for portable counter-UAS systems to protect troops on patrol. The military has deployed hundreds of systems along the border to evaluate their effectiveness against drone threats. This initiative is informed by lessons learned from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where drone technology has been extensively used. Recent incidents, including drone strikes that killed US service members, highlight the urgency of developing effective countermeasures. The military is collaborating with industry partners to refine these technologies, with a focus on systems that can be deployed quickly and effectively in the field. The southern border is described as both an operational challenge and a live test environment for emerging counter-drone solutions.

Key Points: • The US military is testing counter-drone technology at the southern border due to cartel threats. • General Guillot highlighted the need for portable systems to protect patrolling soldiers from drones. • Hundreds of counter-UAS systems are currently deployed to evaluate their effectiveness against drone threats.