Security and defence solutions provider Paramount South Africa was working with border management authorities in South Africa during Easter; providing them with technology that included drones so they could manage better at Lebombo border post, which separates South Africa and Mozambique.
As part of a coordinated effort to enhance border security during the busy Easter holiday period, Paramount said it provided the Border Management Authority (BMA) with the Vulture VTOL unmanned aerial system (UAS), which were going to work alongside three Maatla armoured border patrol vehicles — specifically designed for rugged terrain and high-threat environments.
The drones were deployed to provide continuous aerial surveillance, detecting illegal crossings, suspicious movements, and smuggling activities along the border, particularly in remote areas and during night operations.
First launched in 2015, the Vulture is a fully automated VTOL drone powered by a 500 cc 2-stroke fuel injected engine. Its payload is a gyro stabilised optronic sight communicating on a secure C-Band data/video link.
It has a cruise speed of 120 km/h and can stay in the air for about 4 hours at 60km, with a maximum altitude of 5,000 m.
Launched via catapult from a truck, it is fully automated in launch, flight and recovery, with an automatic return-to-base in case of mission critical failures.
Aside from border patrols, the drone is also capable of coastal surveillance, mobile observation, medium range intelligence missions and tactical awareness, aerial photography, as well as disaster image gathering.
“This integrated deployment forms part of Paramount’s comprehensive border security solution, which combines advanced mobility platforms, intelligent aerial surveillance, and command-and-control fusion capabilities,” Paramount said in a statement.
“By seamlessly linking drones, vehicles, and personnel through real-time data and communications, the solution delivers a layered and highly responsive approach to border security.”
Early operational feedback indicates that the deployed systems have already contributed to the successful detection and apprehension of individuals attempting illegal crossings, as well as the interception of contraband.
“We are honoured to support the Border Management Authority in its critical mission to safeguard South Africa’s borders,” said Paramount.
“The leadership shown by the BMA in proactively strengthening border operations during high-risk periods such as Easter is commendable. This deployment not only demonstrates the value of advanced, integrated technologies in real-world operations, but also highlights the importance of testing and evaluating such systems in the demanding environments for which they are designed.”