Semar combines drones, radars, and command systems to monitor the national territory
Ulises Gutiérrez / Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - 01:00
THE NAVY ALSO HAS A FACTORY IN VERACRUZ, WHERE IT MANUFACTURES RADIOS NECESSARY FOR OPERATIONS
Secretary of the Navy Drone
Using drones and radars, the Secretary of the Navy combats illegal activities, both on the coast and within Mexican territory, a task supported by command and liaison systems, and even a factory for the manufacture of radios.
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Part of this surveillance network relies on drones from the Mexican Navy's Autonomous Patrol System for Tactical Aerial Reconnaissance (SPARTAAM), developed by national engineers.
“Drones are used for surveillance, more than anything. In the mountains, they can be used to search for plantations or clandestine airstrips. They have a night vision camera to monitor for any suspicious vessels at sea making illegal deliveries,” said César López Rasgado, a lieutenant, computer engineer, and member of the Mexican Navy's technological research and development unit.
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The Navy's drone models include vertical takeoff and landing models, supported by four propellers, and horizontal takeoff models that require a runway. These aircraft have been in service with the institution for at least five years.
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The Navy also has the Institutional Navigation Radar for Surface and Coastal Maritime Surveillance Units (RINUS), which is used on the coast and can locate small vessels.
“We use this radar to monitor beaches or search for small boats. It can detect vessels measuring about 5 to 10 meters at a distance of about 8 nautical miles (14 kilometers), and for vessels 100 meters in length or more, it can detect them at a distance of about 30 nautical miles (55 kilometers),” added López Rasgado.
In the event of a detection, the alert is sent to the Command and Control System (SICCAM), which is installed in a barracks. From there, the location is sent to the Data Link System (SEDAM), mounted on aircraft and/or ships, so they can inspect the area.
“SICCAM is installed at a land command post, so it has a network connection. They check where the object was found and what's there, whether it's a small fishing boat, a cargo ship, a transport vessel, etc.
“The purpose of SEDAM is tracking; it places an object at a distance in a certain direction so the unit can go and find out what's happening to it,” explained the lieutenant.
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In addition to these two systems, the Navy also has an electronic navigation system that includes all the sensors of a ship, such as GPS, radar, and gyroscope, to help the captain steer the vessel, avoid collisions, and prevent it from running aground.
As part of its surveillance system, the Navy also boasts the Vírgula Factory, located in Antón Lizardo, Veracruz, where Mexican engineers produce the portable and semi-portable “Tzunun” radios used in naval operations.
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View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSmrN2KZxxY
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