The Mexican military is preparing to cope with the risk of illegal unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) appearing at stadiums serving this summer's World Cup. The tournament is co-hosted by Mexico, USA and Canada, taking place from June 11 to July 19.
During the demonstration at a military base in Mexico City, the military introduced anti-UAV equipment that will be used to protect stadiums. Three cities in Mexico including Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey will host 13 out of a total of 104 matches of the tournament.
This move stems from the fact that drug crime gangs are increasingly using cyber-purchased drones to attack opponents and civilians in areas affected by organized crime. Hotspots such as Michoacan, Chihuahua and Guanajuato are the places that record the most UAV use, according to Insight Crime analysts. Gangs such as Sinaloa, Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación and Familia Michoacana are all believed to own UAVs in their arsenals.
Mr. Jose Alfredo Lara, captain of the army and communication engineer, said that UAV deterrence measures will focus on stadiums and crowded places such as "Fan Fest" events or crowded places.
The military will use two types of anti-UAV devices. The semi-mobile system has the task of establishing a security belt, in which no illegal flying devices are allowed to operate. The other type is a handheld device, allowing soldiers to adjust and point towards suspected UAVs.
When a target is detected, the military group will cut off communication between the aircraft and the operator. According to Mr. Lara, when the connection is lost, the UAV will not be able to approach the target. Depending on the configuration, the device may retreat, find a way to escape the digital intervention zone or lose complete control.
The increasing use of UAVs in criminal activities in the past 5 years has prompted the Mexican military to implement risk reduction measures. Last year, the Baja California state prosecutor's offices in the border city of Tijuana were attacked by UAVs dropping homemade explosives.
Mexican officials believe that these preparations are aimed at ensuring safety for fans and crowded events during the World Cup.
