Mexico’s Armed Forces Advance Domestic Drone Development

Mexico’s military is moving ahead with the domestic development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with both the Army and Navy working on the construction and design of their own drone prototypes. The announcement was made by President Claudia Sheinbaum, signaling a significant push toward self-reliance in defense technology.

According to Sheinbaum, the Mexican Navy is collaborating with national research institutions and the Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation to build its UAV systems. The Navy’s approach integrates scientific research and technological expertise, aiming to produce sophisticated and locally engineered aircraft.

In parallel, the Mexican Army is pursuing its own UAV development program independently. Though fewer details were provided about the Army’s project, Sheinbaum noted that the initiative is focused on producing self-designed prototypes without outside collaboration.

Sheinbaum also reaffirmed the Army’s role in national weapons manufacturing. She emphasized that the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) is the only body legally authorized to both produce arms within Mexico and procure them from abroad.

These developments mark a strategic effort by Mexico to strengthen its defense industry and reduce reliance on foreign-made military equipment. The advancement of drone technology within the Armed Forces reflects a broader move to modernize the country's military capabilities using local talent and resources.

No specific timeline was given for when the UAVs might be operational, but the projects represent a growing commitment by the Sheinbaum administration to invest in domestic defense infrastructure and technological innovation.