The Mexican Armed Forces are working towards conducting joint operations with the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) by 2030, as stated in the Mexico-USNORTHCOM Bilateral Military Cooperation Strategy.
The strategy was revealed through leaked documents obtained by the hacker group Guacamaya Leaks from the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA).
USNORTHCOM, established in 2002, oversees defense efforts in the United States and Canada, working closely with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) for aerospace and maritime warning and control.
The collaboration between the Mexican and US Armed Forces primarily focuses on internal security matters.
Mexico and Canada form part of the Northern Command, signifying a unique relationship with higher commitments among these three countries.
The US considers potential issues within its borders, including those in Mexico, as internal and national security matters.
Mexico aims to enhance its operational and technological capabilities to participate in joint operations with the US Armed Forces.
This requires organizational and administrative changes within SEDENA and the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR).
Cooperation with USNORTHCOM will provide Mexico access to advanced technology, enabling compatibility in defense strategies.
The initial Bilateral Military Cooperation/Mutual Strategic Vision Roundtable (BMCR) took place in November 2016 in Colorado Springs, USA, where the primary areas of cooperation were established.
Subsequent meetings occurred in Mexico City in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, creating a Strategic Agenda for the US-Mexico Bilateral Defense Working Group.
This agenda outlines a strategy to pursue strategic goals jointly.
Aligned with its 2030 vision, Mexico has developed a roadmap to transform its Armed Forces.
The roadmap involves restructuring operational units, improving the air surveillance system, and acquiring ISR-capable aircraft.
It also includes renewing and expanding the air fleet for increased aerial surveillance coverage.
Additionally, modifications to the land force, such as army command and operational components restructuring, are anticipated.
Mexico plans to develop a fleet of long-range oceanic patrols as part of its defense capabilities.
This will be followed by combined exercises, regional mechanisms, and interoperability, ultimately leading to joint operations by 2030.
These efforts aim to promote regional leadership, enhance cooperation in North America’s protection, and contribute to global co-responsibility.