U.S. Deploys Robotic Navy To Tackle Drug Smuggling Near Southern Border

The US Navy has reached an agreement with California-based company Saildrone to double the number of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) patrolling the Eastern Pacific and the Caribbean.

This expansion is part of the mission, Operation Southern Spear, aimed to disrupt drug smuggling operations through maritime routes.

Under this agreement, 20 more Saildrone Voyager USVs will be deployed to support the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S) and US Naval Forces Southern Command/US Fourth Fleet (NAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT).

These high-endurance drones will monitor illegal activity along key drug transit corridors, providing intelligence to law enforcement agencies to intercept traffickers before they reach US waters.

Upon taking office, former President Trump declared a state of emergency at the US southern border to counter drug and human trafficking.

While Customs and Border Protection (CBP) fortified land entry points and expanded barriers, naval and coast guard forces increased maritime security operations. However, the sheer size of the ocean has made surveillance challenging.

Cartels exploit known gaps in maritime security, using speedboats and other vessels to transport drugs into the US. Saildrone’s USVs are designed to bridge this gap by providing persiste…

CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM MarineInsight HERE