NCJ Number
222428
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2008 Pages: 18,20,21
Date Published
February 2008
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The article discusses the expansion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency’s Predator B Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) fleet to extend to the northern border and enter the maritime domain reaching the United States contiguous waters.
Abstract
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency is increasing its fleet of Predator B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) from 2 to 18. The new aircraft will allow the agency to expand the area of operation from the southwest border with Mexico to the northern border with Canada, as well as the development of a UAV maritime variant allowing the agency to operate over the Great Lakes and other United States contiguous waters. The Predator B has a long-endurance surveillance capability over land or sea providing nonstop intelligence to ensure the Nation’s safety. As the Predator Bs supplement CBP’s fleet of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, the vehicles’ sensor payload, similar to their Air Force cousins, are bolstering the agency’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. CBP’s mission is to continue to improve and expand surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.