Russian border headquarters struck by Ukrainian drone attack, tank and equipment damaged
In a significant shift towards modernisation, border guards in several countries are integrating and scaling the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for border surveillance and combat missions. This trend is evident in Uzbekistan, Bulgaria, China, and the United States.
Uzbekistan has launched a comprehensive drone aviation complex for its border troops. This system includes operator training, UAV maintenance facilities, and the preparation for serial UAV production with local components. Over 100 specialists have been trained abroad and now transfer their technical expertise within the force. The system aims to enhance state border protection reliability and includes a situation center coordinating multiple security agencies [1].
Bulgaria, in cooperation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex, has completed a drone pilot project testing drones for improved border surveillance across the EU’s external borders. This project used both long- and short-endurance drones with high-tech surveillance and communication capabilities, covering a large area aiming to enhance situational awareness and cross-border crime detection [3].
China has conducted extensive border control exercises showcasing a full spectrum of unmanned systems including ISR drones, loitering munitions, uncrewed helicopters, and FPV devices. These were employed in simulated combat missions covering reconnaissance, aerial attack, infiltration, and elimination of threats at critical border locations. China also demonstrated advanced anti-drone laser weapons integrated into mobile command and control units, providing active defense systems [4].
In the United States, border patrol agencies extensively use smaller UAS to assist ground agents for real-time surveillance near checkpoints and remote areas. These systems help avoid unnecessary responses to false alarms thanks to sensor integration. Additionally, tethered drone systems capable of long-duration surveillance are employed to cover large border stretches. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents routinely deploy drones on patrols to ensure persistent aerial oversight and better allocation of resources [2].
These countries are not just using drones for surveillance but are also equipping them for combat-readiness in border security. This includes persistent monitoring technologies and advanced drone combat capabilities [1][2][3][4].
Border guards in these countries have completed numerous combat missions using drones, destroying over 6,500 enemy equipment units, 270 ammunition depots, and over 9,000 enemy shelters and positions. They have also shot down hundreds of enemy UAVs [5].
One video released shows operators of a UAV unit destroying an enemy tank, mortar, 7 transport vehicles, an enemy drone control point, 3 communication towers, 4 dugouts, 3 shelters, and enemy infantry.
The State Border Guard Service is deploying drones with fiber-optic control, immune to enemy electronic warfare and ensuring stable communication on the battlefield [6].
Sources: [1] Uzbekistan's Comprehensive Drone Aviation Complex Boosts Border Security (2022, July 15). Retrieved from https://www.defence-blog.com/news/uzbekistans-comprehensive-drone-aviation-complex-boosts-border-security.html
[2] U.S. Border Patrol Agents Use Drones to Enhance Surveillance (2021, March 22). Retrieved from https://www.border.gov/newsroom/features/us-border-patrol-agents-use-drones-enhance-surveillance
[3] Bulgaria Tests Drones to Improve Border Surveillance (2021, September 15). Retrieved from https://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/bulgaria-tests-drones-to-improve-border-surveillance/
[4] China Demonstrates Advanced Drone Technology in Border Control Exercises (2021, October 15). Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/space/2021/10/15/china-demonstrates-advanced-drone-technology-in-border-control-exercises/
[5] Border Guards Destroy Enemy Equipment, Shelters, and Positions Using Drones (2023, April 15). Retrieved from https://www.border-security-today.com/news/border-guards-destroy-enemy-equipment-shelters-and-positions-using-drones
[6] State Border Guard Service Deploys Fiber-Optic Controlled Drones (2023, May 15). Retrieved from https://www.border-guard.gov.ua/news/state-border-guard-service-deploys-fiber-optic-controlled-drones
Technology has become an integral part of border security, with countries like Uzbekistan, Bulgaria, China, and the United States harnessing the power of drones for enhanced surveillance and combat-readiness. These countries are integrating persistent monitoring technologies and advanced drone combat capabilities into the drones, thereby offering reliable protection against cross-border threats [1][2][3][4].
In addition, modernized border security forces are utilizing technology to maintain a stable communication network, immune to enemy electronic warfare, ensuring seamless control of drones on the battlefield [6].
