Mexico faces a rapid transformation in the threats that can affect its airspace, strategic installations, and the security of its population. The expansion of commercial drones, their adaptation to transport illicit cargo, and their use by criminal organizations have turned low-cost unmanned systems into a challenge that no longer belongs exclusively to conventional battlefields.
In this context, Roca Defense & Systems Corporation privately presented Pombero, a low-cost C-UAS interceptor developed in Latin America, with Mexico as one of its main centers for prototyping, validation and future manufacturing.
The system was presented to shareholders, collaborators, aerospace technology and regulation specialists, representatives from different Latin American countries, and specialized journalists from Spain, Mexico, and Argentina.
Pombero is currently in the prototype phase and will begin a 30-day testing campaign. During this period, Roca Defense will evaluate its structural strength, propulsion, maneuverability, stability, reliability, and integration with SUPGOD, its operational intelligence and unmanned systems coordination platform.
Mexico Aerospace and Defense spoke with Gustavo Emiliano Fauez, Founder, CEO & President of Roca Defense & Systems Corporation, about the importance of this development for Mexico, its national industry and its eventual projection towards friendly and allied countries.
Mexico Aerospace and Defense:
Why did Roca Defense decide to develop a system like Pombero?
Gustavo Emiliano Fauez:
Because the nature of the threat has changed. For decades, air defense systems were designed primarily to detect and engage airplanes, helicopters, or missiles. Today, an organization with limited resources can acquire a commercial drone, modify it, and turn it into a threat against personnel, facilities, vehicles, or strategic infrastructure.
The problem isn’t just technological. It’s also economic. It’s not sustainable to respond to every low-cost drone with a missile or system whose value can be tens or hundreds of times greater than that of the target.
Pombero was created to close that gap. It is a low-cost C-UAS interceptor designed to respond quickly, in a controlled manner, and in a cost-effective way to the threat.
Mexico Aerospace and Defense:
What general characteristics will the system have?
Gustavo Emiliano Fauez:
Pombero is a high-speed, vertical takeoff interceptor. The initial configuration envisions a speed of up to 300 kilometers per hour, a projected range of 17 kilometers, and a maximum interception ceiling of 2.5 kilometers.
The system will have a maximum weight of approximately three kilograms, depending on its configuration. It integrates flight control, a data link, and a day/night camera that allows for visual confirmation of the target and human oversight of the operation.
The current configuration is that of an inert interceptor, without an integrated explosive payload. Its function is to physically neutralize hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within a C-UAS protocol controlled by the government user.
We are also working to reach a speed close to 500 kilometers per hour, but we will not present that figure as a proven capability until it has been demonstrated during testing. In defense, an unverified promise is just a pretty presentation. We want to build a reliable system.
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Mexico Aerospace and Defense:
What role does SUPGOD play in the Pombero operation?
Gustavo Emiliano Fauez:
Pombero should not be understood as an isolated drone. It is part of an architecture that connects detection, identification, decision-making, and response.
SUPGOD receives and correlates information from radars, cameras, sensors, and other sources. When an unauthorized aircraft is identified, the platform can assist the operator in determining the nature of the event, assigning the most appropriate interceptor, and coordinating the response.
Human authority remains at the center of the process. The system can process information, prioritize threats, and recommend actions, but the operator retains oversight and the ability to authorize or cancel interception.
This is particularly important in the event of multiple attacks. If there are several hostile drones and several Pombero drones deployed, SUPGOD can distribute the targets to prevent all interceptors from pursuing the same objective.
It’s not just about flying faster. It’s about perceiving, deciding, and responding better.
Source: Mexico Aerospace
Read the full interview on UAS NEWS | PRO