The Department of Home Affairs has launched a scoping program to identify the next generation of maritime surveillance equipment which could include unmanned aerial drones and undersea sensors.
The project will identify the best and latest capabilities for the Australian Border Force and will include developing technologies to be added to Australia’s existing national border surveillance capabilities of satellite and radar surveillance and air and marine patrols.
Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton said maritime security threats were likely to increase in complexity and severity such as renewed irregular migration and people trafficking, exploitation by transnational organised crime and its possible collaboration with extremist groups.
“The project will deliver new cutting edge technology to respond to current and emerging civil maritime threats to Australia,” Mr Dutton said.
“We know that the existing Australian maritime surveillance system will not be capable of meeting changes in the threat environment that are anticipated in the future.”
He said transnational crime groups had the ability to acquire and deploy the latest technology to further their criminal activities.
“It is imperative that we respond to this challenge with the latest technology and solutions available,” the Minister said.
The Department has launched a formal Request for Information from industry to better understand the potential capability, technology and commercial options available.
