European Boder and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, has announced DAT-CON, Teledyne FLIR and Marduk Technologies as first, second and third winners of its Detection of Low-Flying Objects (LFO) competition, the agency announced on 19 December. This pioneering contest underscores Frontex’s dedication to nurturing technological innovation in border security, particularly in response to challenges posed by the growing use of drones at EU borders for criminal activities.
“The increasing use of drones and other low-flying objects at our borders is not just a challenge; it’s a call to action,” said Frontex Executive Director, Hans Leijtens. “And at Frontex, we’re not just observing this trend; we’re actively responding with advanced and innovative solutions. The Prize Award Contest is a clear demonstration of our commitment to safeguarding Europe’s borders. Our proactive approach today is vital in shaping a safer and more secure Europe of tomorrow […] The innovations we recognize today are not just technical solutions. They embody our ethos of combining efficiency with responsibility, ensuring that our border management strategies are as humane as they are effective”.
In a rigorous series of operational trials, held in Estonia in September and October, each winner demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in developing technologies that address the critical need for improved surveillance and detection of (LFOs). They covered a range of LFO threats and tactics, challenged the finalists to push the boundaries of innovation in low-level airspace surveillance.
For more information: Frontex Announces Winners in Contest on Detection of Low-Flying Objects (europa.eu)
(Image: Personnel from Frontex and the winning companies at the award ceremony. (Frontex)
