Mexico develops surveillance drones amid cartel adaptation

Mexico is developing its own drone production capabilities, with the Navy running a plant and the Defense Ministry creating its own models for security and territorial surveillance. Authorities seized 15 first-person-view drones and 15 spools of fiber-optic cable in Sinaloa on October 4, marking the first official record of this technology being used by organized crime. The government's project involves the Navy, the Science Ministry, and public research institutions, including the prototype Quetzal.

The government's investment in counter-drone technology faces a challenge as criminal groups are acquiring aircraft capable of evading electronic defenses. Drone activity along the U.S. southern border was extensive, with nearly 35,000 flights detected in 2025.

David Mora, an analyst for the International Crisis Group, has commented on technology evolution in Mexico, mentioning the states of Zacatecas and Colima.