The British Border Force are trialling a new high-speed boat as part of a strategy to help them detect and intercept migrant boats and catch smugglers.
According to reports in the Telegraph, the 41-foot unmanned boat with radar and camera and capable of speeds of more than 40 knots was tested on Thursday in the straits of Dover.
The boat known as MADFOX is controlled from a master vessel and comes alongside plans to deploy jet skis in a bid to help Border Force agents tackle the rising number of illegal crossing into the United Kingdom.
It is understood the boat is also under trial with the Royal Navy.
Confirming the trials, Dan O’Mahoney, clandestine channel threat commander, said: “We are working day and night to secure our borders and to stop small boats crossing the channel.
“This new technology could help in our mission to make these crossing unviable by gathering evidence for prosecutions, preventing uncontrolled landings and supporting operations to save lives at sea.”
Rick Gill, a former British intelligence officer who heads Drone Defence praised the move calling it “a great idea,” he said: “You get the information much, much earlier without the manpower bill. You could have a number of these with a master boat. They can operate in all weathers with persistence.”
Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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