It is no secret that the cartels have been using drones for some time to move contraband and monitor border control. It appears like the press is attempting to spin this story as a spat between the Pentagon and the FAA instead of what really happened.

My understanding of this situation is that the cartels were testing our security in those areas and watching our response. The US has put a dent in their operations and the cartels are constantly looking for new ways to keep their revenue streams flowing. Juarez is a major hub for cartel activity. This was not a single drone incursion, or even a couple. This was like a mini swarm that was detected by the military that tracks these incursions. The Biggs airfield connected to Ft Bliss is adjacent to the airport. EPIC is also there which is a federal tactical operational intelligence center focused on border security and counter-drug operations. So yes, our military took this airspace breach seriously.

Was the US testing new anti-drone technology? Most certainly. The drones were taken down. By what? The military I believe so far has not commented on the specifics of what counter measures were used. We have many systems in the pipeline. But, we did respond and the threat was neutralized. That is what matters. Not some intergovernmental spat being spun to make it look like division in the Administration.