The U.S. military is ramping up its efforts along the Southern border, deploying cutting-edge radar technology to detect aerial threats. This is part of an increased presence by the Department of Defense aimed at strengthening border security.
Jorge Ventura reports for NewsNation, detailing how high-tech radar systems are being used to monitor the skies. The move comes in response to a surge in drone activity, primarily linked to Mexican cartels, which has raised alarms for Border Patrol agents and local law enforcement. In some cases, drones have been modified to carry explosives, escalating the threat to agents working on the ground.
Rising Drone Incursions Pose Growing Risk
In 2023, a single sector recorded over 10,000 drone incursions from Mexico into the U.S., illustrating the scale of the problem. To counter this, soldiers near Rio Grande City are now using the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar system. This advanced technology detects drones and other unmanned aerial threats entering U.S. airspace from Mexico.
Mounted on a mobile platform, the Sentinel system can be positioned remotely, allowing it to alert air defense teams when it detects hostile aircraft, drones, helicopters, or missiles. Its 3-D radar tracks an object’s range, bearing, and elevation, offering enhanced precision in threat detection.
New Systems Provide Real-Time Intelligence on Drone Threats
In March, U.S. forces also deployed the AN/TPQ-53 radar system. This multi-mission radar is designed to detect mortars, rockets, artillery, and low-flying threats, including cartel drones. Additionally, it provides real-time intelligence on the origins of drone launches, equipping law enforcement with crucial information.
The Department of Defense emphasizes that these radar systems are key components in the broader strategy to improve border security and address the growing threat of cartel drones.
Expanded Military Presence Along the Border
Last month, a 170-mile stretch of federal land along the New Mexico border was officially designated as a National Defense Area, under the control of the Department of Defense. This move further solidifies the military’s growing enforcement role in border security.
Soldiers with Joint Task Force-Southern Border have also placed 150 warning signs along an 18-mile stretch near Clint, Texas, informing the public that crossing into these areas will result in detention by U.S. troops. This initiative is part of a broader effort to secure key border corridors that have long been exploited by smugglers and criminal organizations. The military is committed to enforcing a strict zero-tolerance policy within these restricted zones.
