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U.S. military shoots down over 300 drones near Mexico border
The U.S. military has neutralized more than 300 drones linked to transnational criminal organizations along the Mexican border since the beginning of 2026. According to US Northern Command, approximately 100 of these drones were intercepted during August alone. These unmanned aircraft are reportedly used for illegal activities, including smuggling and monitoring the movements of military and law enforcement personnel.
Between August 24 and September 4, the U.S. Army utilized its AMP-HEL high-energy laser system to neutralize at least 11 unauthorized drones. This deployment follows a significant $464.8 million contract awarded to AeroVironment for the production of the LOCUST X3 laser weapon system. The LOCUST X3 is a 30-kilowatt directed-energy weapon designed to target Group 1 through Group 3 unmanned aircraft, offering a cost-effective solution with each shot costing less than $5.
Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo stated that the intercepted drones are commercial models used primarily by migrant traffickers to scout for routes free of authority presence. He noted that Mexico has deployed 165 anti-drone teams along its northern border and emphasized that operations are being conducted in coordination with U.S. authorities to maintain security and prevent cross-border conflict.
Entities
AeroVironment · LOCUST X3 · Mexican Army · Mexican Ministry of Defense · Mexican military · Mexico · Pentagon · Ricardo Trevilla Trejo · U.S. Army · U.S. Northern Command · US Northern Command
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 9 SOURCES] The drones shot down are commercial models used by migrant traffickers to scout routes free of authority presence. closeup.mx · tiempodigital.mx · lahoguera.mx · lajornadasanluis.com.mx · www.sdpnoticias.com · +4 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The LOCUST X3 laser system costs less than $5 per shot. www.sofx.com · www.govconwire.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The LOCUST X3 is a 30-kilowatt laser designed to target Group 1 through Group 3 unmanned aircraft. www.sofx.com · aresdifesa.it · www.govconwire.com · interestingengineering.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] At least 11 unauthorized drones were neutralized using the Army's AMP-HEL laser system between August 24 and September 4. closeup.mx · cybermexico.mx · tiempodigital.mx · actualidad.rt.com
- [DISPUTED] The U.S. military shot down approximately 100 suspected cartel drones at the southern border during August. closeup.mx · eltiempomx.com · eltecolote.mx · www.excelsior.com.mx · lopezdoriga.com · +9 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] U.S. drone neutralization operations on the border are coordinated with the Mexican military to prevent cross-border conflict. eltiempomx.com · eltecolote.mx · www.excelsior.com.mx · lopezdoriga.com · vanguardia.com.mx · +4 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The United States is using defensive technology against drones to protect personnel and border security operations from cartel-linked threats. eltiempomx.com · eltecolote.mx · www.am.com.mx · vanguardia.com.mx · www.sdpnoticias.com · +2 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The U.S. Army awarded AeroVironment a $464.8 million contract for the LOCUST X3 high-energy laser system. www.sofx.com · aresdifesa.it · www.govconwire.com · interestingengineering.com
- [DISPUTED] The U.S. military has shot down more than 300 drones linked to drug cartels along the Mexican border since the start of 2026. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · newscentraltv.com · actualidad.rt.com · www.estadao.com.br