Mexico and United States Launch Binational Anti Drone Operation on Tijuana San Diego Border

Mexico and the United States have activated a binational anti drone operation called 'Águila Alta' to combat the use of unmanned aircraft by organized crime groups. The operation, which runs from August 31 to September 21, focuses on the border region between Tijuana, Baja California, and San Diego, California. The initiative aims to detect and disable commercial drones used by criminals to monitor authorities during the trafficking of drugs and people.

The operation is divided into two phases. The first phase took place from August 31 to September 2, involving coordination exercises and simultaneous ground reconnaissance. The second phase began on September 7 and continues through September 21, featuring the deployment of forces along the border supported by fixed and mobile anti drone equipment. This effort follows a similar operation conducted in March between Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and El Paso, Texas.

Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, head of Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense, stated that Mexico has 165 anti drone teams deployed along its northern border. He noted that Mexico is conducting mirror operations with the United States to address irregular immigration and criminal activity. While Trevilla reported positive results, he clarified that Mexico is not currently in talks to acquire high energy laser systems. Meanwhile, the U.S. Northern Command reported that its Joint Task Force South has neutralized over 300 drones in 2026, including more than 100 in August alone, as part of Operation Ardent Vanguard. The U.S. military has utilized high energy laser systems to down drones linked to cartels since August 24.