# US and Mexico Unveil Joint Anti-Drone Offensive **Mexico** and the **United States** have officially launched a new collaborative strategy, **Operation High Eagle** (Águila Alta), aimed at neutralizing drones operated by criminal organizations. This joint initiative builds upon recent tests of anti-drone technologies conducted along the shared border. ## Phased Deployment Along the Border The initial phase of **Operation High Eagle** took place between August 31 and September 2, focusing on the border region between San Diego, US, and Tijuana, Mexico. During this period, military forces from both nations simultaneously tracked commercial drones suspected of being used by criminal entities. The second phase, which commenced on September 7 and is scheduled to continue until September 21, involves the active neutralization of these unmanned aerial vehicles. This critical stage is supported by a combination of fixed and mobile anti-drone systems deployed by both countries. ## Advanced Technologies in Play While **Mexico**'s **Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA)** has not specified the exact technologies involved, the **US Northern Command** has indicated that the operation may employ high-energy lasers. These highly concentrated beams of light possess the capability to detect, track, illuminate, damage, or even destroy drones from a distance. One such system is the **Locust platform**, a laser system developed for the US Army by **AeroVironment**. The first two functional prototypes of this vehicle-mounted technology were delivered to the Armed Forces in September of last year, making them available for deployment. Although the direct involvement of **Locust platform** systems in **Operation High Eagle** has not been confirmed, **Mexico**'s access to state-of-the-art anti-drone weaponry has increased. Last month, **SEDENA** and the **US Department of Defense** signed an agreement allowing the Mexican military to acquire anti-drone systems at competitive prices through the US Army's digital marketplace. ## Strengthening Efforts Against Organized Crime Representatives from both nations emphasize that **Operation High Eagle** and recent agreements are designed to bolster efforts against organized crime, particularly in combating human and drug trafficking. Earlier this month, the **US Northern Command** reported disabling or destroying approximately 300 drones linked to criminal activity this year, with a third of these taken down in August alone. Notably, 11 of these targets were directly associated with cartels in recent weeks. This operation is a direct outcome of the **US-Mexico Bilateral Implementation Group**. According to **SEDENA**, its primary objective is to enhance security on both sides of the border while upholding the national sovereignty of both nations and consistently prioritizing the interests of the Mexican State. **Ronald Johnson**, the US ambassador to Mexico, affirmed that this agreement will significantly strengthen both countries' capacity to combat cartels and address shared bilateral security challenges.