--- title: "Counter-Drone Efforts Intensify at Southern Border" url: https://newscentral.site/counter-drone-efforts-intensify-at-southern-border/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Business" published: 2026-10-08T09:01:02.000Z updated: 2026-10-11T23:36:49.900Z id: b0ef1550-dbab-4c51-8150-72b7e10b336a source: "Business Insider https://www.businessinsider.com/us-military-southern-border-mexico-cartel-drone-detection-2026-10" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/counter-drone-efforts-intensify-at-southern-border/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Counter-Drone Efforts Intensify at Southern Border US forces are testing emerging counter-drone systems on the southern border to detect and neutralize drones used by drug cartels. US forces are intensifying their efforts to detect and counter the growing use of drones by drug cartels at the southern border. As part of this effort, they are testing a range of emerging counter-drone systems in a real-world setting. The US southern border has become a key location for the testing and evaluation of these technologies, which include advanced sensors and laser-based systems designed to detect and neutralize drones. Officials from various agencies, including the Department of Defense and Homeland Security, are working together to develop a comprehensive defense strategy against uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). The use of drones by cartels has been on the rise, prompting US forces to adapt their counter-drone technologies in response. Recent testing exercises have provided valuable insights into how cartels are employing these devices, enabling the development of more effective layered defenses. A major exercise, Falcon Peak, was recently held in Arizona, where officials from multiple agencies and defense vendors gathered to test new counter-drone systems. The event marked the fourth iteration of this exercise, which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various technologies in a real-world setting. The rise in detections has been significant, with officials reporting a "very noticeable" increase over recent months. This trend is likely due to the growing use of drones by drug cartels for intelligence gathering and surveillance purposes. The US Air Force's Brigadier General Brian Filler noted that these drones are often equipped with commercial off-the-shelf technology, such as cameras, which serve as their primary payload. The majority of detections have been of commercial-grade drones, which are widely available on the market. This has led officials to emphasize the need for a layered defense system, rather than relying on a single piece of technology to counter all threats. A variety of counter-drone systems will be required to effectively address this growing problem. In total, there were 378 detections of cartel drones over the past month alone. These numbers are likely to continue rising as cartels become more sophisticated in their use of drone technology. The US military is working to stay ahead of these developments and improve its detection capabilities. The US Department of Defense has been clear that no single piece of technology will be enough to stop all threats from cartel drones. Instead, a comprehensive approach involving multiple systems and strategies will be required to effectively counter this growing threat. The number of drone sightings at the US-Mexico border has been increasing steadily, prompting concerns about the growing threat posed by drug cartels. However, officials have clarified that the rise in detections is not solely due to an increase in cartel activities, but also because more advanced counter-drone systems are being deployed along the border. These systems enable authorities to detect and track drones with greater accuracy, making it easier to identify and monitor suspicious activity. As a result, US forces can now respond more effectively to potential threats. The deployment of these systems has been complemented by regular testing and evaluation exercises, allowing US forces to assess their effectiveness in real-world scenarios. The US military is continually refining its strategy to combat the increasing presence of drone surveillance by drug cartels along the southern border. A key component of this effort involves the deployment of advanced sensors and shooters designed to detect and neutralize these unmanned aerial vehicles. In a significant development, the Joint Task Force-South (JTF-SB) reported success in using a high-powered laser system to destroy three cartel drones in late August. The Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser was identified as the technology employed in this operation. This marks a notable advancement in the use of lasers for counter-drone missions. The adoption of laser systems has been driven by their potential to offer a more sustainable and feasible solution compared to traditional interceptors, although they also pose challenges related to power generation. The recognition that no single technology can effectively address all drone threats has led to an increased emphasis on developing diverse counter-drone systems. --- Source: [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/us-military-southern-border-mexico-cartel-drone-detection-2026-10) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/counter-drone-efforts-intensify-at-southern-border/