Pentagon seeks to expand technology testing at US-Mexico border
The Pentagon is considering expanding tests of unmanned systems, sensors and high-energy lasers at the US-Mexico border if Congress provides sufficient funding. Mark Ditlevson, the US assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and Americas' security, told Breaking Defense.
According to the official, the US Department of Defense is assessing technologies already deployed and exploring the possibility of launching new projects, emphasizing safe and responsible testing. At the same time, the Pentagon's future budget for fiscal year 2027 remains uncertain. Congress approved temporary funding from October 1 through early December, while lawmakers are discussing a $1.15 trillion base budget and a separate $350 billion budget reconciliation deal.
Unmanned systems on the Rio Grande
As part of the autonomy and network integration project, the Pentagon is monitoring the border area along the Rio Grande using ten Lightfish unmanned surface vessels. Ditlevson said that sensor platforms, including these vessels, have received positive feedback.
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The department is also considering deploying unmanned surface vessels in the Gulf of Mexico to counter drug trafficking. No timeline has yet been set for the appearance of such a fleet. Separately, the Pentagon is working on automating aerial drones so that they can replace part of manned aviation or reduce the number of operators on the ground. This requires obstacle-avoidance systems and other safeguards compatible with US airspace.
Sensors and laser systems
The Pentagon may also test ground robotic systems if they improve the effectiveness of service members assigned to assist the border service. Next year, the department plans to integrate the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 counter-drone sensor architecture at the border. It may be combined with the Department of Defense's Maven Smart System and Lattice software systems or the US Customs and Border Protection's Minotaur system.
Testing high-energy lasers on US territory had previously been complicated by legal restrictions and safety requirements. The Safer Skies Act, enacted as part of the US National Defense Authorization Act for 2026, expanded authorities for counter-drone operations under Section 130i. In February, the US Federal Aviation Administration closed airspace near El Paso airport because of a misunderstanding between federal agencies over Customs and Border Protection's use of an Army-provided laser counter-drone system. Ditlevson said that measures were taken after the incident to prevent such situations from recurring.
