Jakarta, INTI - The government of Colombia has launched large-scale aerial operations using drone technology to eliminate illegal crop fields as part of its national enforcement strategy.
The campaign leverages unmanned aerial systems to precisely spray controlled chemical agents over targeted areas, demonstrating how drones are increasingly being deployed for high-risk, hard-to-access operations. This approach enables faster coverage, improved accuracy, and reduced exposure for ground personnel, highlighting the growing role of drone-based solutions in government-led environmental and security missions.
“Colombia has launched the eradication of coca crops using drones with support from the United States Government,” said an official statement from the Embassy of the United States in Bogotá, released on Friday, February 13, 2026, as reported by The Straits Times.
“This technology could change everything, reducing coca cultivation, improving security in Colombia, reducing the flow of dangerous drugs in the United States, and saving more lives,” the statement continued.
The Eradication of the Illegal Crop Fields Was Carried Out After Gustavo Petro Met Donald Trump.
The drone-based eradication campaign was launched following high-level talks between the government of Colombia and the United States, signaling a shift toward advanced aerial technology in cross-border security cooperation.
The initiative followed a meeting in early February 2026 between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and U.S. President Donald Trump, where both leaders discussed military collaboration and the expanded use of modern surveillance and drone systems to address illegal activities in remote regions.
Beyond defense cooperation, the talks also focused on joint efforts to curb narcotics production, with drone operations positioned as a key tool for monitoring and targeted eradication. The use of unmanned aerial systems allows authorities to reach difficult terrain more efficiently while reducing operational risks for ground forces.
“My impression of the meeting a few hours ago is, first and foremost, that is was positive,” Petro told reporters after the closed-door meeting at the White House.
Conclusion
The deployment of drone technology marks a strategic shift in how eradication and security operations are conducted in Colombia. By leveraging unmanned aerial systems for precision monitoring and targeted action, the government is not only improving operational efficiency but also showcasing how drones are becoming essential tools in modern law enforcement and cross-border cooperation. This approach reflects a broader global trend toward integrating advanced aerial technologies into national security strategies.
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