CBP Deploys Integrated Fixed Towers in Sonoita
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has accepted and deployed an integrated radar and camera tower system in a third area of the southern U.S. border. The Integrated Fixed Tower System (IFT), designed and built by Elbit Systems of America, is now deployed in the Sonoita, Ariz., area of responsibility. Previous deployments were in the Douglas and Nogales, Ariz., areas of responsibility. Elbit Systems of America is a Texas-based subsidiary of Israel’s Elbit Systems [ESLT]. CBP accepted the Sonoita deployment on Jan. 19. Elbit is currently installing IFT systems in the Tucson and Ajo, Ariz., areas of responsibility. For those deployments, the company is replacing Block 1 systems put in by Boeing [BA] under the terminated Secure Border Initiative Network, better known as SBINet. The IFT systems in these two areas are expected to be operational by Dec. 2018. The IFT systems consist of radar, electro-optical and infrared cameras, and command and control software that combines sensor data into a common operating picture for use by Border Patrol agents to monitor, track, identify and classify illegal activities along certain stretches of the southern U.S. border. The systems provide the Border Patrol with around-the-clock surveillance coverage within a sector.
DHS S&T Developing Predictive Threat Model for Suspect Aircraft
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) branch is working with Customs and Border Protection’s developing a predictive threat model to help the agency’s Air and Marine Operations Center to more quickly and efficiently identity and stop bad aircraft. The targets of the tool are non-commercial aircraft, which could be general aviation small aircraft and jets, ultralights, and unmanned aircraft systems. S&T says that in the past AMOC has tracked patterns of suspicious activity to interdict criminal aircraft and in response, criminals would adapt their behavior by flying different routes and leaving from different airports. Using machine learning, which is part of the new model, would allow for faster responses to suspicious aircraft by storing data continuously and allowing operators to more easily understand threat levels. “We can rethink how we do business with the monumental progress this brings to us,” says Tony Crowder, executive director at AMOC.
Magal Takes Majority Stake in Video Security Manufacturer
Magal Security Systems [MAGS] has agreed to acquire a 55 percent controlling interest in ECS BAZ Ltd., an Israeli-based company that develops and manufactures military-grade smart security video observation and surveillance systems. Magal says the acquisition broadens its portfolio with thermal cameras and embedded video analytics. Magal has an option to acquire the remaining stake in BAZ. The deal is still subject to approval by Israeli anti-trust authorities. “Our vision is to lead the perimeter security market by offering a one stop shop for all cutting edge perimeter intrusion detection systems security solutions,” says Saar Koursh, CEO of Magal. “The BAZ acquisition will enable us to offer smart thermal cameras with embedded video analytics and strengthens and broadens our portfolio of PIDS, state of the art video management systems and video analytics offerings.”