Navy launches Operation Southern Spear using sea drones to combat drug smuggling

The U.S. Navy has launched Operation Southern Spear, using autonomous sea drones to combat drug smuggling in maritime areas. This new initiative comes as President Trump increases military resources at the southern border, aiming to deter traffickers seeking alternative routes. The operation will utilize 20 Saildrone Voyager unmanned vehicles, which can cover vast ocean areas and have a high detection rate for illicit activities. This marks a shift in focus, as more drugs were seized at sea than on land in 2023. Joint Task Force South, which includes the Navy, Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection, will oversee the operation. This effort reflects a broader strategy to enhance maritime security amid rising concerns about drug trafficking via sea routes.