Washington, D.C. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today announced the latest addition to its CBP Air & Marine fleet, the MQ-9 Predator B Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) in Sierra Vista, Ariz. Built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the system will support air and marine crews and Border Patrol agents charged with securing the border.

 “Our frontline agents deserve proven, effective technology that equips them to secure our borders and to prevent terrorism,” said W. Ralph Basham, Commissioner, CBP. “This unmanned aircraft system provides us with the situational awareness we need to more effectively deny illegal entry at our nation’s borders.”

 The unmanned aircraft will begin operating in November from Libby Army Airfield in support of border security operations along the Arizona-Mexico border.

 The UAS is a proven force multiplier, providing improved situational awareness to border security operations. Since 2004, UAS’s have flown 1,805 hours, directly contributing to 3,603 arrests and the seizure of 11,000 pounds of marijuana in support of CBP's border security mission.

 The Predator B offers an improved detection and monitoring capability, greater endurance, an increased speed of up to 250 knots, and greater payload capacity at 800 pounds. This UAS includes Ku-band satellite equipment, ARC 210 and Wulfsberg radio and other modifications for better command and control.

 As a strategic asset within the Department of Homeland Security, the UAS has the capability to support other law enforcement efforts and critical incident response as required.

 Funding for the UAS, which included Ku-band infrastructure, was provided in the Congressional 2006 emergency supplemental appropriations legislation. The 2007 appropriations legislation provided for Ku-band related Air and Marine Operations Center facility upgrades. Additionally, the 2007 Homeland Security appropriations legislation provides $20 million in additional funding for two additional UAS’s.

 The mission of CBP Air and Marine is to protect the American people and critical infrastructure by using an integrated and coordinated air and marine force to detect, interdict, and prevent acts of terrorism arising from unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs and other contraband moving toward or crossing the borders of the United States. CBP Air and Marine is the largest law enforcement air force in the world.

 For information about CBP Air and Marine and the UAS, please visit CBP Air and Marine section. ( Air and Marine section )

 U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

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