Call for Expressions of Interest  in demonstrating at Frontex R&D Green border surveillance workshop 2011 “Aerostats and Rapid Deployment Unattended Ground Sensor systems for Land border surveillance”.

In the context of the development of a common European border surveillance system (EUROSUR), Member States are expected to improve and harmonise their surveillance activities in order to ensure effective detection of irregular immigration and cross-border crime.

In the domain of land border surveillance, there is a wide spectrum of technical means that could be employed to provide effective surveillance including: daylight and infrared cameras, ground radars, fixed ground sensors, mobile systems, manned aircraft and satellites. However, it is clear that Aerostats and unattended ground sensor systems could also play an important role in further enhancing border surveillance filing the gaps in the existing surveillance systems. At the same time a number of technical and other challenges exists.

Following last year’s successful mini-UAV demonstration event in Finland focusing on surveillance of land borders, Frontex R&D Unit intends to organise a workshop   “Aerostats and rapid deployment unattended ground sensors systems for Land border surveillance” and a demonstration event from 20 to 22 September 2011 in Finland. Representatives of the border guard services of EU Member States will attend.

The objective of the workshop and demonstration session is to allow end users and policy-makers to debate the main challenges related to above mentioned technologies and theirs use for creating more efficient and effective green border surveillance and to present industry with the chance to demonstrate the capabilities of currently available technical solutions. The interoperability and integration of sensors and reporting systems will also be a main focus of the event.
The demonstration session aims to showcase in particular several of the latest developments in Aerostats and rapid deployment unattended ground sensor system solutions. The demonstration will include up to four invited Vendor/Operators, and a group of observers from Frontex and representatives of the border guard services of EU Member States
Frontex would therefore like to call on leading Vendors/Operators of such equipment to express their interest in attending the event and demonstrating existing system solutions for the purpose of green border surveillance. Vendors would be expected to cover all costs relating to their participation in the event.

Details as well as other logistical information will be sent only to participants who have been registered. Capacity is limited and your attendance will be determined on a strictly first come, first served basis so in order to avoid disappointment you should express your interest immediately.