Frontex and the Bulgarian Border
Police have launched a new pilot project to test cutting-edge drone technology
for border surveillance. The initiative offers a glimpse into the future of
European border security.
These long-endurance tactical drones, equipped with advanced
surveillance and communications systems, are being deployed to improve
situational awareness and help detect cross-border crime in real time. The
project aims to evaluate how this technology can boost operational efficiency
while reducing the logistical burden on ground teams.
The pilot project launched on
Tuesday, 26 May, is part of a Frontex
initiative to demonstrate, evaluate, and operationalise Next Generation
European Border Surveillance capabilities.
A key objective in this project is to gather additional insight on
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technologies and their capabilities in
delivering aerial surveillance, as well as to measure their operational
performance, cost-efficiency, and reliability. The project will also test and
map all the necessary procedures and processes for operating UAS in Frontex
Joint Operations.
To put this innovation to the test, Frontex has contracted three
industry leaders: Global SAT, Shield AI, and DAT CON. These partners will
deliver and operate the drones under a company-owned, company-operated model,
providing turnkey aerial surveillance services using drones equipped with
advanced sensors and communications tools.
On 4 and 5 June 2025, Burgas, Bulgaria will host a live demonstration
and conference showcasing the new technology in action. The event will bring
together representatives from EU Member States, non-EU partners, and EU
agencies and institutions to explore the practical benefits, challenges, and
future potential of drone surveillance for land and coastal border management.
Photographer: Yavor Yordanov
