Mexico City, Mexico, July 29, 2026 – Mexico’s Marine Corps has mapped out a major expansion of its drone capabilities, including the proposed manufacture of 1,143 combat drones and the creation of specialized reconnaissance, attack, and counter-drone units.
The figures are part of the Navy’s 2024–2045 Marine Corps strategic plan rather than a newly announced purchase or completed deployment. The Mexican Navy published the outline in September 2025, listing 762 bomb-carrying drones and 381 one-way attack drones as short-term manufacturing objectives.
The numbers received renewed attention Wednesday after the specialized outlet México Aeroespacial examined the modernization plan.
The public outline does not identify the aircraft models, manufacturers, production cost or delivery schedule. It also does not say how many systems have entered service. The Navy’s wording describes projected manufacturing within a broader institutional plan extending through 2045, not an inventory of drones currently available to Marine units.
Under the plan, Marine companies would add dedicated sections to handle combat drones, aerial reconnaissance, and defenses against hostile unmanned aircraft. Artificial intelligence, improved sensors and robotics operating in dangerous environments also form part of the proposed technological expansion.
The planned fleet divides the combat aircraft into two categories. The 762 bomber drones would carry and release munitions, while the 381 aircraft described by the Navy as “kamikaze” drones would serve as one-way attack systems that strike targets directly.
Mexico already uses unarmed drones for maritime surveillance, disaster operations, and search and rescue, but the proposed scale and emphasis on attack systems would mark a substantial change in the Marine Corps’ capabilities. During Jalisco’s 2026 storm season, the Navy positioned eight drones alongside ships, boats, aircraft and ground vehicles as part of a 3,100-member emergency deployment.
The modernization plan extends beyond aircraft. The Marine Corps proposes creating 14 specialized groups trained to locate and neutralize improvised explosive devices and other dangerous explosives. Ten regional training centers would also be modernized, including the Navy’s advanced training center and the Marine Corps’ specialized training facility.
Organizational changes began in 2025. The Navy said 54 support-weapons companies would be placed in recess, with personnel and capabilities folded into maneuver companies. The restructuring is intended to strengthen brigades, increase mobility and place heavier firepower closer to operational units.
Training is another major component. The plan anticipates 107,902 course placements involving Marine personnel between 2024 and 2030. Those figures represent training attendance rather than the number of individual Marines, since personnel may complete more than one course during the period.
Puerto Vallarta operates under the Navy’s 12th Naval Zone, whose personnel carry out maritime security, port protection, disaster response, and coordinated public safety operations along the Jalisco coast. The strategic outline does not assign a specific number of combat drones to Puerto Vallarta or any other naval zone.
Local Marine deployments have increased during periods of heightened security. In February, the ARM Usumacinta arrived in Puerto Vallarta with 103 Marines after roadblocks and vehicle fires disrupted parts of Jalisco and neighboring Nayarit.
Any local effects of the drone program will depend on how the Navy allocates new equipment and specialized personnel among its regional commands as production and training advance.
