Mexico’s Armed Forces Launch Their Own Drone Fleet

Mica for cartelinsider.com

After the bodies of seven people were discovered in various locations across Acapulco on July 6th and 7th, federal and state authorities in Guerrero initiated surveillance measures using drones.

These drones, commonly utilized by organized crime in the Tierra Caliente region, are now part of the equipment used by the Mexican Army, the National Guard, the State Police, and the State Attorney General’s Office of Guerrero.

According to information from the Coordination Table for Peace Building, surveillance flyovers began on July 9th with the aim to “prevent, deter, and reduce criminal activity in the state,” particularly in the neighborhoods of Acapulco.

Although the exact number of drones in their fleet was not disclosed, authorities stated that the drones would conduct continuous aerial patrols, “engaging in intelligence operations.”

To avoid any confusion, the devices used by the Armed Forces are equipped with a horn that emits a message to inform the population about the presence of drones in certain areas.

From the photographs shared by the Peace Coordination Table of the state, it can be confirmed that the acquired drones are Matrice 350 RTK models (~$10,000) from DJI Enterprise, a company based in Shenzhen, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of China.

These drones have several notable features, including the ability to perform continuous flights for up to 55 minutes, a maximum altitude of 23,000 feet, and operation in temperatures ranging from -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

Each unit of the Matrice 350 RTK operates with an optimized transmission system that allows it to be controlled at a maximum distance of 12.4 miles and reduces the likelihood of interference during operation.

The drone is protected against dust deposits and water jets, as is its remote control, which features a seven-inch screen and a battery that provides up to six hours of operation.

In terms of aerial performance, the drone is equipped with a six-directional binocular vision system and an infrared detection system to perceive and avoid obstacles. It also has a night vision camera, which is ideal for providing a view of the surroundings in low-light conditions.

The units in possession of the authorities in Guerrero are equipped with additional accessories such as a speaker to transmit the aforementioned message and a flashlight to highlight specific areas during operations.

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Mica

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