This article was originally published by Axon and is reposted here for our readers. You can view the original article here.
The increasing use of weaponized drones by Mexican cartels has created a new and dangerous threat to United States (U.S.) Border Patrol Agents. According to recent reports, cartels are threatening to deploy uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) equipped with explosives to target federal agents working along the U.S.-Mexico border. This tactic mirrors military-style UAS warfare seen in global conflicts and is now being used to bypass traditional security measures and directly threaten national security.
To combat this evolving aerial threat, border security forces must implement combat-tested counter-UAS (CUAS) technology that provides real-time detection, tracking, identification and mitigation. Dedrone by Axon, the global leader in airspace security, provides an artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) enabled solution to help protect against weaponized drones.
The growing threat of cartel drone warfare
Historically, Mexican cartels have leveraged drones for many reasons, such as smuggling items like narcotics, weapons and money across the border. UAS have also been used extensively by cartels for intelligence gathering purposes, closely monitoring the location and concentration of U.S. federal agents or for leading migrants across the border without needing to send one of their members. However, recent intelligence suggests a significant shift in their tactics—cartels are now planning to use weaponized drones to target federal law enforcement and disrupt border security operations. Drones have many operational benefits, such as:
- Speed and agility - Commercial drones are small, fast and difficult to see with the naked eye or traditional security systems.
- Low-cost and easily accessible - For less than $2,000 a highly capable drone can be bought on the internet and re-fitted with payload designed to cause extreme amounts of damage and destruction.
- Remote operations - Cartels can launch drone attacks from miles away, keeping their personnel safe while targeting U.S. federal agents.
- Surveillance and counter-intelligence - Cartels use drones to scout security vulnerabilities, identifying agent locations and response times before launching attacks.
With U.S. Border Patrol Agents already facing extreme operational challenges, the addition of weaponized drone threats underscores the urgent need for a robust CUAS strategy.
How Dedrone by Axon protects against the global rise of UAS threats
Dedrone's AI/ML enabled platform provides a CUAS full kill-chain solution able to protect against nefarious drones. These systems enable users to detect, track, identify and mitigate drone threats in real time.
Detect
Dedrone’s AI-driven multi-sensor fusion technology alerts the operator to the presence of a drone. Various types of sensors, including passive radio frequency (RF), radar and optical cameras, work together to create an accurate picture of the sky.
- RF – From the moment that a drone is turned on, on the ground, an RF sensor detects the drone and the pilot by observing the presence of the RF communications link.
- Radar – Specialized radar systems feed into the sensor fusion engine and detect drones by transmitting radio waves from an antenna which are then reflected off the drone and back to a receiver. These systems have the added benefit of being able to detect RF silent or autonomous drones.
- Optical cameras - High-resolution thermal and optical Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras are used to scan the protected airspace and integrated into the software to provide high-quality imagery, allowing the operator to determine if the UAS is carrying a payload or focus on the pilot. Camera can be directed by the software to autonomously track the drone or the operator can manually slew the camera to focus on specifics points of interest.
Track
Dedrone’s system automatically tracks the location of the drone and pilot, providing security teams with critical intelligence on their origin, position, trajectory, and threat level.
- Real-time airspace situational awareness – Information such as drone location, speed, time to target and pilot location are automatically tracked and updated within the user interface.
- Intrusion alerts – Configurable alerts are sent to security operations centers and/or field agents when an unauthorized drones enters the protected airspace, providing an early warning and rapid response to potential threats.
Identify
Identification occurs in two important steps: identification of the drone as either friend or foe, and identification of the specific drone type.
- Friend or foe - The system first determines whether the detected drone is authorized or unauthorized. As drones have grown in popularity, many organizations such as the U.S. Border Patrol also operate UAS in the airspace. Dedrone’s system helps to protect against nefarious drones while also enabling the good drones to continue flight operations.
- Make and model - The make / model of the drone is determined using unique identifiers such as drone serial number or RF signature. This gives the operator valuable information about the capabilities of the drone including payload capacity, range and speed.
Mitigate
Dedrone’s open architecture system is capable of feeding targeting information to a variety of non-kinetic and kinetic mitigation technologies that would enable federal forces to neutralize nefarious drones before they cause harm.
- Non-kinetic – Non-kinetic solutions, like the DedroneDefender (an RF jammer), focus on disrupting the communications link between the pilot and drone. The DedroneDefender receives drone location data from the software, which aids the operator in aiming the device.
- Kinetic – Kinetic solutions such as bullets and small explosives focus on physically neutralizing or destroying UAS targets. These methods are extremely effective at countering a wide range of aerial threats.
DedroneTracker.AI
Dedrone’s award-winning, purpose-built Command and Control (C2) software solution, DedroneTracker.AI, serves as a single-pane-of-glass allowing the operator to monitor and control all parts of the CUAS mission. The system records every drone incursion, to enable the operator to analyze trends, identify enemy tactics, and refine their security strategies.
- Open architecture - Dedrone’s open architecture design is capable of receiving inputs from a variety of third party sensors, making it easier to expand the ecosystem and fit to the threat scenario. Similarly, DedroneTracker.AI is able to output drone tracking and identification information into any mitigation system that addresses the specific threat profile. This design also allows operators to expand the capabilities of their legacy CUAS systems.
- Threat prioritization - Drones threats are prioritized using Dedrone’s autonomous AI/ML enabled solution.
- Incident reporting – Provides forensic data for intelligence sharing and trend analysis for After Action Reports (ARR).
CUAS Solutions
Dedrone offers this complete CUAS capability in various solution form factors to meet mission requirements and operational challenges. Each solution has its unique advantages, ensuring tailored protection against the evolving drone landscape.
- Fixed Site - Hardware installations are permanent or semi-permanent and designed to protect critical infrastructure sites like border crossings or military bases by providing a comprehensive defense against drone incursions. These setups typically incorporate an array of sensors and response mechanisms for long-term security.
- Expeditionary Kits – Portable solution which allows for rapid deployment in remote or temporary locations where immediate drone threats may arise. These kits are ideal for tactical missions requiring flexibility and quick set-up.
- On-The-Move (OTM) - Vehicle-mounted solutions are integral for dynamic environments where mobility is crucial. These vehicle agnostic systems would enable forces to maintain a protective umbrella against UAS threats while patrolling long stretches of the southern border.
- Rapid Response Trailer - Portable, trailer-mounted solution, which allows for easy transport with minimal required set-up or tear-down time.
A Smarter, More Secure Border
With cartels threatening to deploy drone-based attacks, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Border Patrol must adopt next-generation CUAS technology to stay ahead of emerging threats. Dedrone’s AI/ML enabled, layered CUAS solution provides a comprehensive approach to drone defense, ensuring real-time detection, rapid threat assessment, and immediate mitigation. As drone threats continue to evolve and escalate, investing in CUAS solutions like Dedrone is critical to maintaining border security and preserving life.
Learn More
For more information on how Dedrone can support U.S. Border Patrol and federal agencies in countering drone threats, contact us.
