Merida, Yucatan — The Mexican Air Force conducted a large-scale aerial drill called “Balam” at Merida Air Base on Wednesday as part of security preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The exercise aimed to ensure airspace sovereignty through detection, identification, interception, and tracking operations. It involved nine aircraft, including a B-412 helicopter for aeromedical evacuations, EMB-145 planes for aerial surveillance, and T-6C+ jets for interception missions and ground alerts.
Scenarios simulated aircraft failing to follow instructions, triggering Search and Rescue (SAR) plans and subsequent tracking. In practice, interceptors directed non-compliant aircraft to land at designated airfields, activating contingency protocols.
The drill began with T-6C+ jets taking off from Cozumel, Quintana Roo, conducted interceptions in military air operation zones, and concluded with landings at Merida Airport, where airport authorities implemented contingency plans.
For the World Cup, authorities established four Air Defense Groupings: “Soots” in Cancun, “Ocelotl” in Monterrey, “Axolotl” in Guadalajara, and “Quetzal” in Mexico City, with regular drills planned.
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