Mapping Weaponized Drone Attacks Attributed to Mexican Drug Cartels, 2021-2025

Authors

Austin C. Doctor, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Suat Cubukcu, Towson University
Joel Elson, University of Nebraska OmahaFollow
George Grispos, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Mackenzie Harms, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2-12-2026

Abstract

The exploitation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by Mexican drug cartels presents a growing threat to U.S. homeland security and defense. Several of the Mexican transnational criminal organizations designated as foreign terrorist organizations (FDTCOs) in 2025 employ drones in a wide array of tactical applications, including surveillance, smuggling, and weaponized attacks. Tactical innovation of UAS by FDTCOs has enhanced their capabilities to attack a range of targets including security forces within the law enforcement critical infrastructure sector. This report summarizes NCITE original analysis of publicly available information of weaponized drone incidents attributed to Mexican FDTCOs from 2021 through 2025.

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Recommended Citation

Doctor, Austin C.; Cubukcu, Suat; Elson, Joel; Grispos, George; and Harms, Mackenzie, "Mapping Weaponized Drone Attacks Attributed to Mexican Drug Cartels, 2021-2025" (2026). Reports, Projects, and Research. 150.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/ncitereportsresearch/150