![](https://dronelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Us-mexico_border_at_Tijuana-300x200.jpeg)
Tomas Castelazo, CC BY 3.0
In a recent update highlighting the monitoring challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border, the highest official of the U.S. Northern Command reported that the region is experiencing a notable increase in unmanned aircraft system (UAS) incursions, with the numbers potentially reaching over a thousand incidents per 30 days. This detail was shared during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, where Air Force Gen. Gregory M. Guillot offered insights into UAS activities along the border, as reported by Defense.gov.
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General Gregory Guillot, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command. (Department of Defense photo by Joshua Armstrong)
Guillot mentioned that while the precise variety of these incursions just isn’t known, estimates suggest a major number, pointing to a concerning trend. “I don’t know the actual number — I don’t think anybody does — however it’s within the hundreds,” Guillot said, indicating the frequency of such events. This assessment stems from his discussions with officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice, who’re closely monitoring this issue.
Guillot’s testimony sheds light on the challenges posed by unmanned aircraft systems, which have been utilized by drug and human traffickers. Despite the absence of a right away threat to national defense, Guillot voiced concerns concerning the potential for such threats to extend, signaling the necessity for ongoing attention and preparedness.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), in collaboration with Northcom, is tasked with detecting and countering aerial threats to North America, including those from UAS. This responsibility also involves safeguarding U.S. military installations against these unmanned systems. Guillot acknowledged current measures but in addition mentioned the necessity for more work to standardize procedures to handle these challenges more effectively.
Going forward, Guillot plans to recommend ways for the Defense Department, the joint force, and Congress to enhance NORAD and Northcom’s ability to standardize responses to UAS threats. This effort is an element of a broader 90-day assessment geared toward tackling the rise in UAS incursions, a priority in Guillot’s early tenure.
Moreover, the incident involving a high-altitude Chinese balloon over North American airspace in early 2023 has prompted NORAD to fine-tune its radar sensitivity, enhancing awareness and response to aerial incursions. This adjustment highlights the continual efforts to enhance defense mechanisms against the changing threats in airspace, ensuring homeland security against unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems.
The rise in UAS use by illicit actors along the southern border represents a challenge for U.S. defense and security agencies. As they refine detection and response strategies, Guillot’s insights underscore the dynamic nature of airspace threats and the importance of a vigilant and adaptive defense strategy.
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