In the Aegean Sea, controlling the EU's external border between Greece and Turkey is proving difficult. Many islands with long coastlines and the geographical proximity of the two countries make it difficult to deploy patrol vehicles. Ships and aeroplanes also have high operating costs.
Argos-II HD from Hensoldt
Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, is now hoping that the use of tethered balloons will ease the burden. As part of a technology pilot programme, two balloons from the US manufacturer CNIM Air Space will initially be procured and fitted with sensors from Hensoldt. These are the Argos-II system from Oberkochen, which was developed for use on various flying platforms. It consists of a stabilised dome with an electro-optical infrared system. Once the tethered balloon attached to the ground has been raised to an altitude of several hundred metres, this sensor can be used to monitor an area within a radius of up to 40 kilometres. The optical sensors make it possible to visualise the environment in great detail so that even small vehicles can be easily detected and identified. A thermal imaging camera with infinitely variable zoom ensures all-day observation of targets in all weather conditions. All data is not only recorded, but also transmitted in real time to base stations on the ground.
Example image of the sensor
The two systems enable Frontex to monitor a defined area reliably and over a wide area. In the event of suspicious activities, task forces can be quickly mobilised in the sea area and measures taken.
Text: mb; Photos: CNIM Air Space, Hensoldt
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