Mexico and Trilateral Air Defense, Is NORAD the Answer

摘要

Seven years following the worst asymmetric air attack in U.S. history, the time is right for a fresh examination of U.S. air defense strategy. The optimum solution to the air defense problem is defeating the threat as far from U.S. borders as possible. As a bilateral treaty with Canada, NORAD expands the umbrella of U.S. air defense thousands of miles to the north by utilizing Canadian air defense capabilities. However, the airspace beyond the southern borders of the U.S. remains woefully unprotected. This project examines the feasibility of restructuring NORAD as a trilateral air defense agreement to include Mexico, thereby creating a common continental air defense approach. The following analysis considers relevant history, politics, inter- service cultures and economic linkages along with perceptions of national security threats. The research reveals the limits placed upon the Mexican Air Force by the Mexican Constitution, Estrada Doctrine and its subordination to the Mexican Army. These limitations prohibit their participation in a trilateral air defense agreement without complex constitutional amendments. Recommendations are provided to increase Mexican air defense capabilities without changes to the Mexican constitution.