Mexican drug cartels are rapidly expanding their use of advanced drones, raising concerns among U.S. officials that fighters returning from the Russia-Ukraine war could transfer battlefield drone skills to criminal groups.

Mexican drug cartels are rapidly expanding their use of advanced drones, raising concerns among U.S. officials that fighters returning from the Russia-Ukraine war could transfer battlefield drone skills to criminal groups.

Officials say the cartels are learning drone warfare techniques, including ways to bypass interdiction systems, while purchasing larger drones capable of carrying more explosives. Several Colombian fighters with battlefield experience in Ukraine are reportedly being recruited to train cartel drone operators.

Mexican intelligence has warned that some cartels already have large drones capable of carrying heavy payloads, while armed groups in Colombia have also increased their use of weaponized drones.

U.S. and Mexican authorities say counter-drone capabilities are struggling to keep up with the threat as the cartels continue to adjust their tactics.

Source: WaPo