CBP starts UAV patrols along U.S.-Canada border

Federal and state dignitaries the other day officially opened the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Unmanned Aircraft Operations Center of North Dakota, bringing improved security operations to the U.S.-Canada border. “The expansion of the unmanned aircraft program to the northern border represents a significant step forward in our border security efforts, using this proven, effective technology to support our officers and agents along the border,” said CBP Air and Marine Assistant Commissioner Maj Gen Michael C. Kostelnik (Ret. USAF). “This critical mission asset will bring a new high tech approach to the border security mission and will enhance our valuable partnerships with Canadian and U.S. law enforcement entities.”

CBP Air and Marine’s unmanned aircraft systems reduce the number of personnel required to gain operational control of the border. They assist other law enforcement agencies upon request. Once fully staffed with an annual budget of $2.7 million the facility will employ close to 50 federal employees and contractors. Built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in San Diego, CBP’s unmanned aircraft, the MQ-9 Predator B, is capable of flying at speeds of up to 260 miles per hour for more than 18 hours at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. The aircraft is equipped with the state-of-the-art Raytheon electro-optical sensors. This advanced aircraft is also equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar, helpful in documenting changes, for example due to floods or hurricanes.

The aircraft and crews support the CBP mission of anti-terrorism as well as homeland security and disaster relief efforts. The remotely-piloted Predator B allows CBP Air and Marine personnel to safely conduct missions in areas that are difficult to access by CBP personnel on the ground.

Nationally, CBP faces the challenge of interdicting criminal and terrorist exploitation of international passenger and cargo movements into the United States at 327 air, land, and sea ports of entry and 15 pre-clearance locations overseas. Between northern border ports of entry, eight Border Patrol sectors protect against the illegal cross-border entry of people and contraband along the northern 3,995 miles of border.

Along the U.S. northern border, CBP processes more than 70 million international travelers and 35 million vehicles, makes approximately 4,000 arrests, and interdicts approximately 40,000 pounds of illegal drugs annually. The terrain, which ranges from densely forested lands on the west and east coasts, a significant maritime environment, then open plains in the middle of the country, comprises many sparsely populated lands with limited state and local law enforcement presence along much of the immediate border area. CBP’s unmanned aircraft will serve as a valuable tool in securing U.S. borders and supporting information sharing between and among law enforcement entities in this vast geography.