Pentagon Plans to Expand Tech Testing at US-Mexico Border with Unmanned Systems
- Published
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- BreakingDefense
The Pentagon is utilizing the US-Mexico border as a testing ground for advanced technologies, including high-energy lasers and unmanned systems. Mark Ditlevson, the assistant secretary of defense for Homeland Defense, expressed a desire to expand these projects, contingent on future funding from Congress. Current negotiations on the fiscal 2027 budget could impact the extent of these initiatives.
The significance of this testing lies in its potential to enhance border security and combat narco-trafficking. The Pentagon has already deployed 10 Lightfish unmanned surface vessels (USVs) along the Rio Grande, receiving positive feedback on their sensor capabilities. Ditlevson indicated plans to extend the use of USVs into the Gulf of Mexico to further support anti-trafficking efforts.
Looking ahead, the Pentagon is also exploring the automation of aerial drones to reduce reliance on manned aircraft and operators. Challenges remain, particularly regarding obstacle avoidance in US airspace. The timeline for deploying additional unmanned vessels and ground vehicles is uncertain, as the Pentagon continues to evaluate existing technologies and their effectiveness in enhancing operational capabilities.
Original report
Pentagon eyeing tech testbed expansion along US-Mexico border
BreakingDefense · Ashley RoqueThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
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