[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6328241,"mediaKeyId","2321358-d579cd4b2045bb6c263cc21c54fa7858","parentId",2321358,"title","Commanders Cite Limits on Interdiction Capacity, Praise Partner Efforts and AI Tools","audioSeconds",4383,"startMs",3368000,"endMs",7751000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2321358-d579cd4b2045bb6c263cc21c54fa7858&start=3368&end=7751","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2321358-d579cd4b2045bb6c263cc21c54fa7858/thumbnail_3368000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6328241/Commanders-Cite-Limits-on-Interdiction-Capacity-Praise-Partner-Efforts-and-AI-Tools","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328241-5e7332c630f42160855f4a7852b18155/orig.mp4?Expires=1773569970&Signature=hX90Vqpw50CBnL3Nt~czsK~vLRh4ikZcrx18ZPq4-SrUgLqovdxICXTMKuOFDCuMpSQ0gtkyDaAPorceXaRu-S6dfPfLFJSAZL80QDAYuQD3vwgo1oNM2W8fyre-hls2167Mk8p~WgA5QFtaxm7LzhkRfiqEptqxq9AnOaWOUCACGt14GZ60z09JKhc0S~d~PZAZ4b0-6nn5kFybr81kwCqf~xAKGCrDxVNtK~bKGVWi-N1BiJGh9mEzXnfn2buhO-UBS2IM3pmINKL1GFTJGgsB2YG8xySWVUATMJAq9E9M2LORCvLX5S6TXYeBPSuRLeTh0xZbHTJmzMogO~10bQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services","date","2025-02-13T00:00:00Z","article","Senators pressed NORTHCOM and SOUTHCOM commanders about counter-narcotics efforts, fentanyl trafficking and the capability gaps that limit interdiction of maritime drug shipments.

Why it matters: Lawmakers tied narcotics trafficking to domestic overdose deaths and to regional instability that fuels migration. Witnesses said transnational criminal organizations exploit permissive environments and that current maritime and ISR capacity allows interdiction of only a fraction of known shipments.

Admiral Halsey described interdiction work with partners, saying in one recent period U.S. and partner forces interdicted about 50 metric tons of cocaine in 90 days and arrested 84 suspects; he said about 80 percent of interdictions were executed by partner ships working alongside U.S. assets. He told the committee that DOD and partner maritime domain awareness had improved through use of unmanned systems (so-called cell drones) and AI analytics at Joint Interagency Task Force South, which use historical data and machine learning to predict probable trafficking routes and cue assets to interdict.

Senators raised gaps in assets. One lawmaker said U.S. forces can interdict roughly 10–20 percent of known maritime shipments and argued this shortfall contributes to domestic overdose deaths. Commanders agreed asset shortfalls, ISR limitations and resource constraints limit interception rates and that improving partner capacity and providing persistent presence would boost effectiveness.

Ending: Witnesses requested sustained investment in maritime assets, ISR, and partner capacity-building, and highlighted targeted AI and unmanned platforms as force multipliers; senators asked for follow-up on resource allocations and outcomes.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","To receive testimony on the posture of United States Northern Command and United States Southern Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program ","oneSentenceSummary","Witnesses told the Senate Armed Services Committee that transnational criminal organizations and synthetic opioids remain a major threat, noted limited maritime assets constrain interdiction rates, and described AI and unmanned systems improving detection and targeting with partner nations.","taxTitle","Armed Services: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1987,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6328246,"SOUTHCOM Commander Warns of Chinese, Russian Influence in Latin America, Urges Continued U.S. Presence",1975,1185000,3160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2321358-d579cd4b2045bb6c263cc21c54fa7858&start=1185&end=3160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2321358-d579cd4b2045bb6c263cc21c54fa7858/thumbnail_1185000.jpg","/articles/6328246/SOUTHCOM-Commander-Warns-of-Chinese-Russian-Influence-in-Latin-America-Urges-Continued-US-Presence","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328246-39ad4afbf27a714b842d760503a94d0c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773569970&Signature=XBvUvH0-rLOoSXtJKikecWKSMwSw6FbgbaxXOh3yI8Fa9mlBZh1I8SnDmdJBx9okbsZ1E80D6YcUIAHZI83ZzoE74OiFTwqBTUbsK0yotdbE08o2xiyiIrN6ozhZjd9SYEKyPtGw3qtxvZg9owBHwl165pWrttwQLVSFZ09knZ52n915KCvppznMPFx4F5TwmfX1zBMuDLKtYcPeH~w~mmDHeC-NQveUJELKmgJhxsLe664U-89u0iynBFe5SpYvhyDUGHGYsM5Qd2BBqUfojNR2LsfGZIxjVkyboR~SYSGdEWSxQ~wiKY0Y8NShIT9s8CFt8vc9PZEeYwZJPz9Xgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Admiral Halsey, commander of U.S. Southern Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that strategic competition from China and Russia in the Western Hemisphere is growing and is being waged through economic influence, infrastructure projects and military engagement.

Why it matters: Committee members and the commander described investments by Chinese state-owned enterprises in ports and power grids, Huawei telecommunications adoption by partner countries, dual-use facilities such as deepwater ports and space-tracking sites, and Russian support to regimes in Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Senators said such activities can jeopardize U.S. partnerships and the free flow of commerce, and they questioned how the U.S. should respond.

Halsey cited specific concerns: Chinese-controlled port infrastructure at ends of the Panama Canal, Chinese-linked deepwater port north of Lima capable of berthing warships, and PRC space-related tracking sites across the region. He urged sustained security cooperation, exercises such as Panamax with Panama, and leveraging whole-of-government tools (including the Office of Strategic Capital and export-credit instruments) to offer alternatives to partner nations. He also noted SOUTHCOM is under-resourced relative to its mission set.

Senators repeatedly tied the regional competition to migration and narcotics flows. Witnesses said building partner capacity and delivering economic alternatives could reduce push factors that drive migration north. Committee members asked how the dismantling or reduction of USAID and foreign assistance might affect long-term influence; Admiral Halsey said assessments were underway but emphasized military security cooperation and exercises remain viable tools.

Ending: Senators signaled interest in funding and policy measures to counter coercive economic practices in the region, strengthen presence, and protect critical maritime infrastructure such as the Panama Canal; Admiral Halsey reiterated the value of long-term presence and cooperation to ‘‘block out’’ PRC influence.

","Admiral Halsey told senators China and Russia are expanding economic and military influence across Latin America — from ports and telecommunications to space-related infrastructure — and said sustained U.S. presence and security cooperation are needed to counter predatory practices and protect regional partners.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6328250,"Senate Hearing Spotlight: Commanders Call to Expand Authorities, Resources to Counter UAS Intrusions",289,3489000,3778000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2321358-d579cd4b2045bb6c263cc21c54fa7858&start=3489&end=3778","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2321358-d579cd4b2045bb6c263cc21c54fa7858/thumbnail_3489000.jpg","/articles/6328250/Senate-Hearing-Spotlight-Commanders-Call-to-Expand-Authorities-Resources-to-Counter-UAS-Intrusions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328250-593e60edfb48ef75b5e406cd8dc4e55e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773569970&Signature=L5xOZCONxjG63v7YmLTXIxCRSASTGmmFMCVyOEfrhtWX36H-yUTFBx5OVHXJtfS~P~uPDcI0EK52WKF-L7kaekZZtDHUgt8OeWjPG-yTFtthIa7PjOJR74JzOqi9zBGczYuIx4RUJayBdblasuIdKriFHHkBFQN2ZFLK8gVt9C0KCKr2XoRfMg~oWymbWD8cQjKzvKo2fnZOYXmplHmDI1awbTbKA394Sx~~xSVFOnZWWrdqji1IZTas8G43RdKr3tTnDvHSS9TBMLU6yj-JpPiZ5L-sZlmkuBEWyA5yTTVT4gZKm4DEDQdA5LWVfmZuPfB3YgCtIVf0nXTVEGOSOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lawmakers at the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing pressed generals and admirals about the proliferation of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) over military installations and other sensitive sites and the legal authorities available to counter them.

Why it matters: Testimony and questioning highlighted that numerous detections of small drones occur across many installations and that current authority (referred to in testimony as Title 10, section 130i) limits active defensive measures to a subset of ‘‘covered installations.’’ Several senators advocated expanding that authority so installation commanders could use counter-UAS measures and to extend defended ranges slightly beyond installation perimeters.

General Guillot testified that commanders detect hundreds of incursions: he cited 350 detections across roughly 100 installations in a prior year and said roughly half of U.S. installations meet criteria for ‘‘covered’’ status; he advocated expanding authority to all installations and to allow action slightly beyond perimeters. The general said his command now synchronizes counter-UAS responses, develops standardized tactics, techniques and procedures, and coordinates with the FAA and interagency partners to enable authorities once systems arrive.

Senators asked whether expanded authorities would allow faster information sharing with DHS and border authorities regarding UAS activity at the southern border; witnesses supported broader data exchange and legal authority updates to enable seamless information flow and joint responses. Senator Cotton and others described pending legislation to expand 130i-style authorities to more installations; witnesses said they would back expansion and to increase the range of permitted action.

Ending: Commanders recommended statutory expansion of authorities, increased standardization of counter-UAS training and tactics, and better interagency data sharing. Senators signaled intent to advance legislation to expand legal coverage for active defenses at installations.

","Senators pressed commanders about thousands of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) incursions, limits on installation-level defenses under Title 10 section 130i, and proposals to expand authorities so base commanders can better protect installations beyond a subset of 'covered' sites.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6328253,"NORAD/NORTHCOM Urge Faster Buildout of Domain Awareness, Space Sensors for Homeland Missile Defense",4869,2265000,7134000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2321358-d579cd4b2045bb6c263cc21c54fa7858&start=2265&end=7134","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2321358-d579cd4b2045bb6c263cc21c54fa7858/thumbnail_2265000.jpg","/articles/6328253/NORADNORTHCOM-Urge-Faster-Buildout-of-Domain-Awareness-Space-Sensors-for-Homeland-Missile-Defense","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328253-714a5a7905ebbd562c9d196ea624266b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773569970&Signature=IWLuPlkuFukV5U3ZR4mhBVyTB3~LBMxIbWbr1nux2RLMAfOcBGv1RS7tA5knXmRR1j3upnXD~onL4U0a9ZOZW2wfhH96pKPIxrMae-qBRL~RrLR91hHN9IhXixZwfkUweAayxgcJX2KzA7-RaG2hbjvmFY3Wc7CIlU6o657j7I1gj3aLV7gwS08e6QMvqNeLZr2rbimqa~ZEsLdApq~9AgX2x5p5bKdDE0N1ucYg7Sa9aRPPQTamO0oi7qZ~aNBn85zBxyFWkEpQikxw6UmpXMxHRPxf3xXI1ycaIkc0Q9tiI~3ImriP537uR5s~31MWMAd7OJeLMNN6zLisJc8INg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","General Gregory Guillot, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), told the Senate Armed Services Committee that homeland missile defense must start with improved detection: a layered ‘‘domain awareness’’ network from seabed to space.

Why it matters: Witnesses and senators framed the issue as urgent as competitors field longer-range and maneuverable weapons, including hypersonic missiles. Committee members pressed for accelerated procurement of space-based tracking sensors, new radars and other layered assets and asked whether the defense industrial base and spectrum authorities are positioned to deliver.

Guillot said the priority is sensing: seabed, ground, airborne and space sensors that can detect threats at longer ranges and cue defeat mechanisms. He cited existing and proposed capabilities including airborne moving-target indicator satellites, over-the-horizon radars, upgraded E-7 (Wedgetail) airborne platforms and integrated undersea surveillance. On hypersonics, Guillot described a need for space-based sensors able to track maneuvering, high-speed trajectories and for these capabilities ‘‘immediately.’’

Committee members raised spectrum concerns: Guillot told senators that uninterrupted access to needed spectrum is necessary to employ space-based and other sensors and warned that spectrum auctions or competing commercial users could degrade detection performance. He also said industry cooperation and moving acquisition timelines ‘‘left’’ to field systems more quickly are essential.

On partnerships and geography, senators and the commander discussed Canadian participation in NORAD modernization and potential collaboration on domain awareness. Guillot welcomed Canadian involvement and noted early improvements in Canadian radar and aircraft capabilities.

Ending: Guillot committed to work with the committee on priorities and to accelerate fielding where feasible. Senators said they would pursue legislative and budgetary tools to speed procurement and to protect spectrum for homeland defense systems.

","General Guillot told senators that an effective homeland missile-defense architecture requires a layered sensor grid from seabed to space and faster fielding of detection and intercept systems, and warned that spectrum access and industrial capacity are limiting factors.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6328256,"Senate Hearing: Commanders Outline Strain of Border Deployments, Limited Cost Data on Guantanamo Plan",1799,928000,2727000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2321358-d579cd4b2045bb6c263cc21c54fa7858&start=928&end=2727","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2321358-d579cd4b2045bb6c263cc21c54fa7858/thumbnail_928000.jpg","/articles/6328256/Senate-Hearing-Commanders-Outline-Strain-of-Border-Deployments-Limited-Cost-Data-on-Guantanamo-Plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328256-d523fffffe4e84716704c9395a56e2d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773569970&Signature=VMkx~seTROrGrBOhFDcpMma0O6aEG3-Nq0cZzhbdbCg-h3B~ig-mJ9svvzwHH0aFkSbDDhpFw-rI-Tp1AHhLBNXrappz6oUDgEN4sYIuB-oosBjd-i9cMuVfwBV2-vk1oshZvNwgZB3o0l0TrYwWe3CKwWpyMOdavbQkkeqg8IPb7NxECzbAc56yoMkExHeKxdOUuVjAvZTAK5C5kvYovwO6hdc57nhzfX6kSvqrIsgsgt-doplNvQYLm1U6iMzEOUFJGS9oMRZQ7Lz37EX7gTGTKeXGSJIs4PSZMz6f10F2kPH4r~jDIR3Fj6fVm9Z5RPWmPj0Ut~Zsl0KKbcObeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Armed Services Committee members pressed U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) commander General Gregory Guillot and U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) commander Admiral Halsey on the readiness and budgetary impact of recent orders to support border security and expanded migrant operations at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

The hearing opened with lawmakers citing multiple recent Presidential directives that added military roles at the southern border and ordered an expansion of a Migrant Operations Center (MOC) at Guantanamo Bay. Senators said the moves include deploying thousands of active-duty personnel and using military aircraft to transport migrants.

Why it matters: Committee members expressed concern that using military forces for migration and deportation tasks — and the associated use of strategic airlift — could reduce readiness for other missions and cost taxpayers substantially more than civilian alternatives. Several senators asked for prompt, transparent cost estimates and for notification if the operations begin to degrade readiness.

Guillot and Halsey described the military role as support to Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Guillot said NORTHCOM had not yet seen direct budgetary impacts from deportation flights, and that transport operations are managed by U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM). Halsey said SOUTHCOM is providing logistics, facilities, medical care and other support in a phased approach to build MOC capacity, and that planning continues.

Committee members and witnesses gave numbers and operational details during the hearing: senators said roughly 2,000 active-duty troops were recently deployed to the border in addition to existing National Guard and reserve personnel; Guillot said there were about 5,000 Title 10 forces on the southern border at the time of testimony and that number could grow. Senators noted that about 100 migrants had been transported to Guantanamo so far, and the administration had directed planning for up to 30,000 in a phased approach. Admiral Halsey said the command was in ‘‘initial phases’’ and would provide cost estimates when available.

Several senators questioned transportation costs and unit readiness. One senator said a C-17 deportation flight that moved 104 migrants to India cost about $2.5 million; witnesses said TRANSCOM operates such flights and NORTHCOM/SOUTHCOM coordinate but do not operate them directly. Witnesses committed to follow up with the committee on which DOD accounts or TRANSCOM funds those flights draw on and to notify the committee if deployments begin to affect training or scheduled exercises.

On Guantanamo-specific costs, Admiral Halsey told senators he had no firm estimate for building to 30,000 capacity and described the work as phased; he agreed to provide estimates to the committee when available. Senators cited historical figures: a 2017 MilCon project to house 13,000 migrants previously was estimated at $33 million and current routine costs to maintain the Joint Task Force Guantanamo facility were described by a witness as about $100 million per year; witnesses cautioned that such figures are evolving and that services initially bear flow-in costs.

Ending: Both commanders pledged to provide the committee with requested cost information and to report if the operations materially degrade readiness. Senators pressed for oversight and for DOD to comply with statutory criteria that apply when the department is asked to perform civilian law-enforcement tasks.

","Commanders of U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Southern Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee that expanded missions at the southern border and a phased migrant operation at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay are stretching resources, and that precise cost estimates for the Guantanamo expansion were not yet available.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commanders Cite Limits on Interdiction Capacity, Praise Partner Efforts and AI Tools

SOUTHCOM Commander Warns of Chinese, Russian Influence in Latin America, Urges Continued U.S. Presence

Senate Hearing Spotlight: Commanders Call to Expand Authorities, Resources to Counter UAS Intrusions

NORAD/NORTHCOM Urge Faster Buildout of Domain Awareness, Space Sensors for Homeland Missile Defense

Senate Hearing: Commanders Outline Strain of Border Deployments, Limited Cost Data on Guantanamo Plan