U.S. troops deploy Black Hornet 4 drones to bolster southern border security

As part of this mission, troops are employing a range of advanced military technologies, including Stryker armoured vehicles, Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance Systems (LRAS3), and Black Hornet 4 drones. These tools are supporting detection and monitoring operations along the U.S.–Mexico border.

The Black Hornet 4 PRS G3 is a microdrone that provides real-time surveillance using high-resolution cameras and GPS-guided navigation. Its small size—around 10 inches long and weighing just 16 grams—allows it to operate discreetly and effectively in challenging terrain.

“The drone has a GPS that pings locations of the illegal aliens using an eight-digit grid,” said U.S. Army Specialist James Greer, from the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment. “Without them even knowing that they’re being watched.”

In a recent incident near the Texas National Defense Area, the drone helped assess a potential threat involving three armed individuals on the Mexican side of the border. After the CBP Mobile Video Surveillance System (MVSS) detected the individuals, the drone was deployed to identify their exact position and intentions.

“We didn’t know what they were up to,” Greer stated. “It was safer to send down a drone than to send troops and potentially have their lives in danger.”

Following Greer’s assessment, the individuals made no advances and no further action was deemed necessary. The deployment of Black Hornet 4 drones is demonstrating their value in improving both safety and operational efficiency in support of CBP efforts.