Document Type

Report

Publication Date

Fall 11-9-2027

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM), particularly low-cost 3D printing, is creating a new pathway for Mexican cartels to locally reproduce, modify, and customize unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their components. Cartels already demonstrate technical adaptability, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) supply chains, and the use of 3D-printed components that could support broader AM adoption. The growing availability of digital UAS designs, technical documentation, inexpensive printers, and commercially available electronics could reduce cartels’ dependence on identifiable COTS platforms while enabling more decentralized and adaptable drone supply chains. Over the next five years, advances in AI could further lower the technical expertise and time required to design and manufacture customized UAS components, increasing the potential significance of AM as a component of the cartel UAS ecosystem.

Accessibility Statement

PDF passed Adobe Accessibility Checker prior to upload. 

Download

Share

COinS