CBP already has five of the Predator B drones used to patrol the land borders with Mexico and Canada, but the new maritime version, called Guardian, has modifications including radar and a optical-infrared sensor optimized for maritime operations.
CBP, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, will test the aircraft early next year from Cape Canaveral, then deploy it to support joint counter-narcotics operations.
Adm. Thad Allen, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, said drones “will help us counter threats like narcotics and migrant smuggling, terrorism and piracy in the vast expanses of the maritime domain.”
