Mexico and U.S. Sign Drone Technology Declaration
Original reporting: Punto MX
What happened
Punto MX reports that the agreement may give Mexico access to a U.S. Army marketplace for drones and counter-drone systems.
Reporting and context
Mexico and the United States signed a declaration of intent intended to expand Mexico's strategic and operational capabilities through defense innovation and technology, according to Punto MX's report on statements by U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson.
The outlet reported that the declaration was signed with Mexico's Defense Ministry during a visit by U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. It said the agreement would give Mexico's defense institutions access to the U.S. Army's digital marketplace to seek drones and counter-drone systems at competitive prices.
Johnson said the tools could help in efforts against cartels and other shared security challenges. His statement was accompanied by a photograph with Mexico's Security and Citizen Protection Secretary Omar García Harfuch, whom the ambassador described as part of the two governments' joint work.
Punto MX said an Aug. 8 meeting also addressed security in Michoacán's avocado-producing region, where producers have reported extortion and violence connected to organized-crime groups. The report did not identify any contracts, equipment quantities, manufacturers, budgets or delivery dates. The expected effect of the agreement and the security claims remain attributed to the ambassador and the outlet's report.