While much attention is given to Ukraine and Russia’s use of drones, just south of the United States, Mexico’s cartels are using drones in significant numbers, some of which surveil the United States and move drugs and cash across the border. They are also used to attack Mexican government and army organizations and competing cartels.
According to one source, in 2025 the cartels flew more than 42,000 drones near the U.S. border. Around 1,000 drones each day try to cross the U.S. border, and most are not intercepted.
Most of the drones used by the cartels are Chinese, and a large number have been modified either to carry explosives or drugs. The major source is the Chinese company DJI (Da Jiang Innovations), based in Shenzhen. It is the world’s biggest producer of drones, holding more than 80 percent of the world’s market. DJI is partly state-owned. The company has been designated as a “Chinese Military Company” and sanctioned by the United States government. DJI has challenged the sanctions on the grounds that it is not a military company but a commercial entity. Some DJI drones are blocked from entry to the United States, and the U.S. government has also blocked the use of DJI drones for government work.
DJI is the major supplier to Russia and Ukraine, especially drone parts instead of airframes. Until 2023, Ukraine was openly buying DJI drones, but this has since shifted as Ukraine now manufactures its own drones but buys copious components from Chinese cutout companies that get their parts in Shenzhen, mainly from DJI and its suppliers. This allows China to claim that DJI does not support either Ukraine or Russia. The company also says it does not sell military drones, only commercial products.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member