New technology to transform border surveillance in Meriç
Greece is preparing to significantly strengthen surveillance along its borders, particularly in the Meriç region, with a new €4.6 million equipment procurement program led by the Hellenic Police Headquarters.
The program, financed by the European Union, will introduce next-generation surveillance technologies, including drones, unmanned ground vehicles and electronic systems designed to detect and counter unauthorized unmanned aircraft.
According to a report by iEidiseis, the initiative aims to create an expanded electronic security network capable of providing continuous monitoring along the country’s borders.
17 drones for border surveillance
A total of 17 multirotor drones will be procured to support border surveillance and the management of migration flows.
The drones will be equipped with high-definition cameras capable of detecting movement from significant distances and transmitting live footage to an operational command center. The systems will also provide precise location data for detected activity.
Seven of the 17 drones will reportedly be long-range models, allowing them to monitor areas at considerably greater distances.
The Hellenic Police is expected to train 30 drone operators and 10 technicians as part of the program.
Two unmanned ground vehicles
The project will also introduce two unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) designed to operate in difficult-to-access areas.
The four-wheeled robotic vehicles will reportedly feature autonomous and remote-controlled navigation capabilities, as well as systems for recording video and audio. They will be designed to operate at night and under extreme weather conditions.
The vehicles will also be equipped with advanced sensors and artificial intelligence-based systems to support surveillance operations.
Systems to counter unauthorized drones
The Hellenic Police Headquarters will additionally acquire two electronic drone detection and countermeasure systems.
The systems will be capable of identifying suspicious drone flights near the border, mapping areas and detecting potential cyber threats. They can reportedly be deployed at fixed border locations or mounted on vehicles and connected to the operational command center.
The investment comes as unmanned aerial systems are playing an increasingly important role in the surveillance of sensitive areas worldwide. The procurement program is expected to be completed within the next two years.
