One of the key objectives of Frontex is to keep Member States informed about new technological developments in the field of border control. In this regard, Frontex seeks to put more emphasis on organizing, with the help of Member States, practical demonstrations of new technologies.
Surveillance of EU external borders has to ensure effective detection of irregular immigration activities. The technical systems involved include different types of sensor and specific communication systems and software, in order to create a situational picture and to make it available to participants involved in a specific operation.
Hovering electro-optical systems (together with other sensor systems) can play important roles in further enhancing border surveillance filling the gaps not covered by other border surveillance activities. These technologies are also of relevance for the development of the common European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR).
Frontex Research and Development Unit in cooperation with the Finnish Border Guard is organizing a demonstration and workshop, during which relevant industry will present to Member States’ experts the latest achievements on "Hovering electro-optical systems" for sea and land border surveillance.
The main objective of the event is to facilitate a dialogue between industry, Member States and Frontex on current developments in sea surveillance and land border surveillance and future developments with regards to above mentioned technologies.
Frontex therefore will invite relevant industry to present its latest achievements in this domain.
Four to six leading companies in the field of border surveillance technology will demonstrate their systems’ capabilities in real operational scenarios.
Each system deployed is expected to cover at least the following indicative requirements:
- not micro-solutions but mini-solutions
- wired solution or freely flying solution (aerostats and balloons are not on focus for this event)
- max weight 30kg
- payload: 2 kg or more…
- max wind speed: 12 m/s or better
- silent
- modes: manual and automatic way point flight (if freely flying solution)
- altitude: wired solution at least 30 meters, freely flying solution at least 300 meters
- flight endurance: at least 30 minutes
Exclusions:
- This event will NOT explore fixed wing solutions
The place and time will be Finland, in Helsinki on board a patrol vessel and on a small airfield with a forest area near Imatra, during week 23 (June 2014).
Key stakeholders and representatives of EU Member States’ authorities involved in border control will attend.
The event will also give potential users and industry the opportunity to meet each other and to exchange their views, experience and needs.
Please note that participants will be selected on a first-come-first-served basis, but in a way that ensures representation of the scope identified above.
In order to participate in the event under the above mentioned specifications, please express your interest and send the description of your proposed system at the latest by 15 April 2014 to zdravko.kolev@frontex.europa.eu and harri.ahonen@raja.fi.
You will be informed of a decision, by email, not later than 25 April 2014
Attendance is free of charge, but please be informed that participants will be asked to cover the cost of shipment/installation and any other costs incurred for participating in the event. Once a company is selected it has the obligation to perform the demonstration. After selection, field visits will also be organized in order to establish the exact location for the demonstration and to address further details regarding its implementation.
More practical details will be sent only to the selected participants.
Should you require further information or have
additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Zdravko Kolev at zdravko.kolev@frontex.europa.eu, +48 22 205 9624 or Harri Ahonen at harri.ahonen@raja.fi , +358 295 420 504 and Kari Isokivijärvi at kari.isokivijarvi@raja.fi , +358 295 420 509.