Airbus Group said on Tuesday that a border and maritime security solution it provided for Qatar is now fully operational and is providing surveillance over 600 kilometers.

Qatar command centre for National Security Shield. Photo: Airbus Group
Qatar command centre for National Security Shield. Photo: Airbus Group

The National Security Shield system is operated by the Qatar Border Guard and Coast Guard and includes surveillance towers and surveillance vehicles equipped with various sensors such as radars, cameras and direction finders, Europe-based Airbus Group said. The surveillance system is being used to combat illegal immigrant trafficking networks, terrorist groups, piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing, the company said.

Airbus Group said that additional work on the system is planned in the next two years. The company will be installing offshore towers and platforms equipped with surveillance sensors to protect oil and gas production assets in Qatar’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

Airbus Group will also be providing a training simulation system, a web portal for external agencies, enhanced user management functionalities, and an Alternative Joint Operational Centre to take over all operations at any time.

Qatar’s air force, land force headquarters, and the National Crisis Centre will be connected to the system in the coming months, Airbus Group said.