Del Rio Designated as National Defense Area, Economic Benefits Could Follow
- By Del Rio Business Bulletin
- Hoy
- Por: Ramiro Gómez
Del Rio has become the six stretch of land along the U.S.-Mexico border to be designated as a National Defense Area. On February 6, the Department of the Air Force officially announced the establishment of the Del Rio–Falcon National Defense Area #6. A report by Stars and Stripes states that the National Defense Area will be primarily based in Del Rio, Texas.
The new Del Rio–Falcon NDA #6 part of the broader South Texas National Defense Area, will be overseen by Joint Base San Antonio in coordination with U.S. Northern Command. The South Texas NDA also includes the Rio Grande Valley, designated as NDA #3. The Del Rio-Falcon NDA spans approximately 150 miles along the Texas–Mexico border. This designation formally recognizes Del Rio as a key strategic hub in the region, supporting U.S. military training, border security, and federal operations.
According to the Department of War, the existing NDA’s have created new economic activity through personnel deployments, federal contracting, patrol operations, logistics support, equipment procurement, and infrastructure investment tied to ongoing military operations.
What could the new NDA means for Del Rio economically? When compared to the other existing NDA’s, it will most likely bring:
-Increased federal and defense-related spending.
-Infrastructure investments to support operations and security.
-Job creation tied to defense operations, contracting, and support services.
-Expanded opportunities for transportation and construction logistics firms.
-Increased demand for fuel suppliers and related industrial services.
-Increased demand for hotels, short-term rentals, and related hospitality services.
-Increased customer traffic for retail, restaurants, and local businesses.
The Del Rio economy already has a significant defense component, anchored by Laughlin Air Force Base, one of the U.S. Air Force’s largest and most critical pilot training base. The installation which trains thousands of student pilots each year, serves as a major employer and economic engine for the city.
The new National Defense Area will complement Laughlin Air Force Base’s existing economic footprint.
It has not yet been disclosed how much land at Amistad Dam the International Boundary and Water Commission has transferred to the Department of the Air Force for the establishment of the new National Defense Area. No timeline has been provided for when operations will begin, nor how the new NDA may affect access to public land used by outdoor enthusiasts, including the fishing community, tournaments, boaters, and other water-based recreational activities.
With this latest addition, the military now operate National Defense Areas across Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
-New Mexico National Defense Area 1, part of the U.S. Army Fort Huachuca
-Texas National Defense Area 2, part of the U.S. Army Fort Bliss
-South Texas National Defense Area 3 (Rio Grande Valley), part of Joint Base San Antonio
-Yuma National Defense Area 4, part of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma
-California National Defense Area 5, overseen by Joint Task Force-North
-Del Rio–Falcon National Defense Area 6, part of Joint Base San Antonio (Announced Feb. 6, 2026)
Etiquetas: Del Rio, NDA, Texas, border, defense, economics
