Asger Risom
Mexican and Colombian drug gangs are sending fighters to Ukraine to learn FPV drone tactics — and using that knowledge in deadly new ways back home.
Mexican and Colombian drug gangs are sending fighters to Ukraine to learn FPV drone tactics — and using that knowledge in deadly new ways back home.
Cartel Fighters Training on Ukraine’s Front Lines
Members of Mexico’s CJNG and Colombian guerrilla groups are reportedly joining Ukraine’s International Legion to master frontline drone warfare.
Why Ukraine? It’s a Drone Warfare Lab
Ukraine has become a global testing ground for FPV drones, offering cartel operatives hands-on experience with low-cost, high-impact drone attacks.
CJNG Leads the Way in Mexico
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is already deploying drones strapped with grenades against rivals and government forces in Mexico.
Drone Attacks Are Surging in Colombia
Colombia recorded 115 cartel-linked drone attacks in 2024 — including one that brought down a police helicopter and killed 12 people.
Guerrilla Groups Join the Fight
FARC dissidents and the EMC faction are increasingly using drones in Colombia’s internal conflict, especially where peace talks have failed.
The Golden Triangle Is a Drone Warzone
In Mexico’s cartel-heavy regions like Sinaloa and Chihuahua, drones are now being used for ambushes, surveillance, and even bomb drops.
Cross-Border Threat at the U.S. Line
Along the U.S.–Mexico border, drones are scouting patrols and trafficking drugs — raising alarms for American security agencies.
Ukraine: The Global Drone Training Ground
Ukrainian officials warn that foreign fighters are learning to “kill with a $400 drone” — then exporting that knowledge globally.
Drones: The New Weapon of Choice
With rising profits at stake, cartels are turning to drone warfare for its affordability, stealth, and psychological impact — and the threat is growing.
