The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office is launching a drone pilot program to support enhanced surveillance and operations along the Southern Border.
This initiative, which will cost the taxpayers nothing, aligns with President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Unleashing American Drone Dominance,” aimed at reasserting America’s leadership in unmanned aerial systems for security and defense.
The Office has tapped Draganfly Inc. to supply the drones. Under this new pilot program, the department will deploy the Draganfly’s long-endurance fixed-wing UAVs for extended border surveillance, AI-enhanced quadcopters for quick-response missions, and thermal imaging drones to assist in search-and-rescue and nighttime operations.
The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office has earned national recognition for its innovative use of technology to address complex border challenges. The organization has previously deployed high-resolution camera networks, sensor-integrated mobile units, and ground surveillance radar systems. These efforts have drawn direct praise and high-profile visits from President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, both of whom have publicly highlighted the Sheriff’s Office leadership in border enforcement and technological integration.
“The Southern Border is one of America’s most critical national security frontiers,” said Captain Tim Williams. “Our organization has always been committed to leveraging the best tools available. With Draganfly as our drone partner, we’re entering the next phase of smart border enforcement. Their North American and U.S.-built systems will enhance our ability to protect communities, manage humanitarian concerns, and respond rapidly to evolving threats.”
“We are honored to be working with Cochise County Sheriff’s Office for this historic program,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “Their team represents some of the best of American law enforcement; innovation-focused, community-minded, and mission-ready. This project embodies the spirit of President Trump’s executive order and sets a gold standard for how drone technology should be used to secure national borders.”