As the need for advancements in counter-drone technology becomes increasingly more evident, the southern border has undoubtedly emerged as a critical testing ground for the evolving challenges posed by small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).

A joint order from the Departments of Transportation, Defense, and Homeland Security now restricts all unauthorized drone operations within 1.15 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, imposing a 400-foot altitude ceiling effective October 2026 through October 2027. The measure responds to escalating cartel drone activity threatening border security operations.

Recent DHS data reveals the urgency: 378 cartel drones were detected along the southern border between August 22 and September 24. Of these, 75 were intercepted and turned back, 15 were engaged by countermeasures, and one was captured intact.

This development follows earlier reporting by The Gateway Pundit on the military’s Counter-small UAS fly-away kit—a mobile system capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing rogue drone incursions.

In response to the increasing drone activity complicating border operations, U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is addressing these technological and operational challenges by training soldiers from Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) on the use of its counter-sUAS fly-away kit (FAK).

Last month, a 22-member team of soldiers completed their FAK training and certification at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. This team is now equipped to deploy the FAK along the southern border or to other locations in the U.S. as needed.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joey Frey, the lead evaluator, explained to The Gateway Pundit that “soldiers first received classroom instruction on the FAK, which encompasses various sensors and effectors designed to detect, identify, track, and neutralize potential drone threats.” After the indoor training, he noted, they engaged in hands-on practice in the Arizona desert.

“Each soldier seeking certification had to demonstrate proficiency in setting up and operating the FAK, as well as utilizing its command and control systems during simulated drone incursions,” CWO 3 Frey explained.

In an October 8 news article, Rear Admiral Willie Carmichael, the Operations deputy director for USNORTHCOM, emphasized that the validation of the JTF-SB’s new counter-sUAS FAK is a significant advancement in supporting installations and interagency partners in their defense against drone incursions.

This sentiment was also echoed by others involved in the initiative. First Lieutenant Zachary Irwin from the 101st Airborne Division expressed his excitement about working with the FAK, describing it as a valuable tool that would enhance the JTF-SB mission and contribute to creating a “sky fence” to bolster security along the border. He highlighted the difference between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, noting that observing the FAK’s capabilities in action was enlightening.

According to CWO3 Frey, this new technology promises to change the game in terms of security measures around the country. “As USNORTHCOM continues to expand its capabilities,” he pointed out, “plans are in place to train a third FAK team in Alaska later this year, further strengthening the command’s ability to counter drone threats across the continental United States.”

As the landscape of border security evolves with the increasing presence of cartel drones, the proactive measures taken by USNORTHCOM and the Joint Task Force-Southern Border illustrate a robust commitment to safeguarding national interests.

The successful training and deployment of the counter-sUAS fly-away kit not only enhance operational readiness but also pave the way for future advancements in drone defense technology. With ongoing initiatives to expand training and capabilities, the U.S. military is poised to effectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by unmanned aerial systems, ensuring a fortified response to emerging threats and reinforcing the safety and security of the nation’s borders.

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