US and Mexico launch joint anti-drone operation High Eagle

September 11, 2026 at 02:15 PM2 min

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US and Mexican defense agencies announced a joint anti-drone operation, High Eagle, targeting drones used by criminal organizations along the border. The operation began with a first phase from August 31 to September 2 near San Diego and Tijuana, and a second phase started September 7 and runs through September 21. The announcement follows a new agreement allowing Mexico to access US Army anti-drone systems.

Key Facts

Operation High Eagle's first phase ran August 31–September 2 along the San Diego–Tijuana border, tracking commercial drones used by criminal groups.
The second phase began September 7 and continues through September 21, neutralizing drones with fixed and mobile anti-drone systems.
US Northern Command reported disabling or destroying about 300 drones linked to criminal activity this year, a third of them in August.
Last month SEDENA and the US Department of Defense signed an agreement giving Mexico access to the US Army's digital marketplace for anti-drone systems.
US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson said the agreement would strengthen both countries' ability to combat cartels and address bilateral security challenges.

Operation High Eagle

Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) and US defense agencies announced the joint anti-drone operation High Eagle, or Águila Alta. The first phase, from August 31 to September 2, involved simultaneous tracking of commercial drones used by criminal entities along the San Diego–Tijuana border. In the second phase, which began September 7 and runs through September 21, the agencies neutralized unmanned aerial vehicles with support from fixed and mobile anti-drone systems. SEDENA did not specify the technology used, but US Northern Command suggested the operation might employ high-energy lasers capable of detecting, tracking, damaging, or destroying drones.

Anti-Drone Technology and Agreements

The US Army has invested in the Locust laser platform, designed for mounting on military vehicles, with the first two functional prototypes delivered by AeroVironment in September 2025. It has not been confirmed whether Locust systems are being used in Operation High Eagle, though Mexican authorities have increased access to such weapons. Last month, SEDENA and the US Department of Defense signed an agreement allowing the Mexican military to access the US Army's digital marketplace for acquiring anti-drone systems at competitive prices. US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson stated that the agreement would strengthen both countries' ability to combat cartels and address bilateral security challenges.

Border Security Context

The operation stems from the US-Mexico Bilateral Implementation Group and aims to ensure security on both sides of the border while respecting national sovereignty. Earlier this month, US Northern Command announced it had disabled or destroyed approximately 300 drones linked to criminal activity this year, a third of which were taken down in August. Within recent weeks, 11 of the targeted drones were involved with cartels. Representatives from both countries stated that the aim of the operation and recent agreements is to strengthen efforts against organized crime, especially human and drug trafficking.