Defense agencies from the United States and Mexico have launched a new collaborative strategy to combat drones used by criminal organizations. Dubbed High Eagle, or Águila Alta, this operation builds on recent tests of anti-drone technologies along the border between the two countries.

The first phase took place from August 31 to September 2, tracking commercial drones used by criminal entities. The second phase, starting on September 7 and continuing until September 21, involved the neutralization of unmanned aerial vehicles with support from fixed and mobile anti-drone systems. The exact technologies used are yet to be specified, though US Northern Command has suggested the operation might employ high-energy lasers.

These lasers, known as the Locust platform, are designed for mounting on military vehicles and have been in US possession since September last year, following the delivery of the first two functional prototypes by AeroVironment. The Mexican authorities have increased access to these state-of-the-art weapons, with SEDENA and the US Department of Defense signing an agreement to allow the Mexican military to access the US Army’s digital marketplace for acquiring anti-drone systems at competitive prices.

The aim of this operation is to strengthen efforts against organized crime, particularly human and drug trafficking. In the last month, the US Northern Command reported disabling or destroying approximately 300 drones linked to criminal activity, with 11 of the targets involved with cartels.

The operation stems from the US-Mexico Bilateral Implementation Group and aims to ensure security on both sides of the border, while respecting the national sovereignty of both nations and prioritizing the interests of the Mexican State.