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Government to Expand Air Surveillance for National Security
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is set to enhance its air surveillance capabilities with plans to acquire an additional aircraft to bolster border security and law enforcement efforts.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne confirmed that the administration is working on securing a new surveillance aircraft for the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), complementing the country’s existing aerial and maritime security infrastructure.
“We intend to buy yet another plane,” Browne stated. “The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force currently has two aircraft, and we are looking to expand our capacity to secure our borders from illicit activities.”
Browne highlighted that the ABDF’s law enforcement capabilities have already been strengthened with the addition of a new high-speed interceptor boat and surveillance drones, giving authorities the ability to monitor and respond to criminal activities both by sea and air.
“We now have the ability to go after these criminals by land and by sea,” he said. “This new aircraft will allow us to further expand our national security operations and help curb the smuggling of contraband, including illegal firearms and narcotics.”
The prime minister also acknowledged an earlier agreement with the United States for partial funding of a 65-ton offshore patrol vessel, which was intended to further enhance the country’s maritime surveillance. However, he noted that the policy shifts in Washington may impact this agreement, and the government is now exploring alternative funding sources to proceed with the acquisition.
“We had already agreed to make our US$3 million available, expecting that the United States would fund the balance,” Browne said. “If they do not provide the support as initially expected, we will have to explore other avenues to raise the necessary funds.”
With the planned expansion of air surveillance and additional recruitment of 50 officers into the Defence Force, the government aims to strengthen national security, reduce illegal trafficking, and ensure greater protection of Antigua and Barbuda’s borders.
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Well, at least them upgrading! Hope this one actually get used and not just sit down.
what exactly them planning to do with this plane?
We buying aircraft but people still waiting on water regular in them pipe?
This could help with emergency response and border security, but let’s see how them use it.
Why buy when we barely hear anything about the last one? Transparency needed. SMH
A next aircraft? How often the first one flying though? Asking for myself
I just hope this plane nah disappear like some other government projects.
@Teacher for Life: Out of the two planes that the ABDF purchased two of three years ago, I was seeing one of them flying weekly during a few month timespan last year. A friend of mine had an encounter with one (two low passes) some 50 miles west of Barbuda so they are definitely out and about. They were involved in the recent search for the lost Antiguan and Barbudan fishermen.