Border control: Hi-tech drones to patrol for people smugglers

SIX billion-dollar, hi-tech drones will patrol Australia’s borders on the lookout for people smugglers, illegal fishermen and potential national security threats.

SIX billion-dollar, hi-tech drones will patrol Australia’s borders from 2025, on the lookout for people smugglers, illegal fishermen and potential national security threats.

The government will invest $1.4 billion and acquire the first of six MQ-4C Triton remotely-piloted aircraft through a cooperative program with the US Navy.

The aircraft can fly for up to 24 hours and as high as 50,000 feet, sending near — real time video to army bases worldwide.

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Australia will acquire the first of six MQ-4C Triton remotely-piloted aircraft.

Defence Minister Marise Payne said the Triton would complement the surveillance role of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, of which Australia has seven, as well as analyse and collect intelligence.

The full fleet of 12 Poseidons is expected to be in operation by 2022.

“Together, these aircraft will significantly enhance our anti-submarine warfare and maritime strike capability, as well as our search and rescue capability,” Senator Payne said.

“This investment will protect our borders and make our region more secure.”

Australia will also enter into a $200 million co-operative program with the US Navy for the development, production and sustainment of the Triton.

The first Triton is expected to be in service in mid-2023. All six should be in service by late 2025, based at RAAF base Edinburgh, in South Australia.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Australia’s alliance with the US was “our most important defence relationship”.

“This cooperative program will strengthen our ability to develop advanced capability and conduct joint military operations,” Mr Turnbull said.

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