Kochise County Launches Drone Pilot Program

The Kochise County Sheriff’s Office announced on July 7 that it will initiate a modern drone pilot program. In collaboration with Draganfly Inc., this initiative aims to improve surveillance and operational capacities along the US-Mexico border.

This move aligns with President Trump’s executive order, “Unleashing American drone control,” which emphasizes the deployment of advanced unmanned aerial systems for bolstering national security.

Recognized for its forward-thinking methods in border security, the Kochise County Sheriff’s Office is making strides in technology integration.

Previously, they have utilized high-resolution camera networks, integrated sensor mobile units, and underground surveillance radar systems for border enforcement.

The division has received acknowledgment from President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance for its dedication to technology-driven approaches to border security.

“The southern border is one of America’s key national security zones. Our organization has consistently aimed to utilize the best resources available,” said Captain Tim Williams. “With Draganfly as a drone collaborator, we are entering a new chapter in smart border enforcement. Their North American-manufactured systems will aid in community protection, address humanitarian issues, and enhance our ability to quickly respond to developing threats.”

Draganfly Inc. has been at the forefront of drone innovation for over two decades, specializing in advanced aviation technology and AI systems for various sectors, including emergency response and public safety.

“It’s a privilege to collaborate with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office on this significant program. Their team exemplifies the best of American law enforcement. This project reflects President Trump’s vision and demonstrates how drone technology can serve the community,” stated Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly.

The new pilot program will feature Draganfly’s “drone family.”

This includes durable fixed-wing UAVs for long-term surveillance, AI-driven quadcopters for rapid response missions, and thermal imaging drones suitable for search and rescue, including nighttime operations.

The “Drone Family” is built for reliability and secure data handling, specifically designed to perform in the challenging, remote environments of the Kochise County border.