In latest show of security cooperation, Mexico and US sign drone agreement

Mexico and the United States formally signed a defense agreement on new technologies last week, enhancing security cooperation between the two nations. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson highlighted the bilateral cooperation in a declaration of intent, which will enable Mexico’s Defense Ministry to procure drones and counter-unmanned aircraft systems.

The ambassador shared a photo of himself shaking hands with Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch to celebrate the agreement and the mutual commitment to combating organized crime. Johnson noted that under President Donald Trump and President Claudia Sheinbaum, U.S.-Mexico cooperation continues to yield results. The declaration of intent, which is non-binding, was signed by García Harfuch, General Héctor Ávila Alcocer, and U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Patrick Driscoll.

The agreement does not specify models, quantities, costs, or delivery dates, and there is no purchase commitment at this time. U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson emphasized that the pact strengthens strategic and operational capabilities by granting Mexico’s Defense Ministry access to the U.S. Army’s digital marketplace for acquiring unmanned aerial systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems at competitive prices.

This follows a December meeting of the U.S.-Mexico Security Implementation Group, where both countries agreed to expand cooperation in dealing with the growing use of drones by criminal organizations. The dialogue also covered security concerns in Michoacán, where residents have reported extortion and violence from organized crime cartels, leading the U.S. government to temporarily suspend avocado trade in the region.