The Mexican government wants to acquire two C-130J transports under a $412 million foreign military sale, announced the Pentagon. The stretched C-130J-30s would “primarily be used for presidential support, but may also be used to support drug interdiction and other security missions,” states the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s Sept. 25 release. The agency said it notified Congress of the potential transaction on Sept. 21. The FMS package would include spares, training, and logistical support, according to the release. The sale would contribute to US interests by “potentially supporting missions in Mexico’s fight against criminal organizations, drugs, and gang activities,” states the release. The Mexican air force already operates older model C-130s.
The use of a military counter-drone laser on the southwest border this week—which prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to abruptly close the airspace over El Paso, Texas—will be a “case study” on the complex web of authorities needed to employ such weapons near civilian areas and the consequences of agencies…
