At the end of September, Frontex started testing the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to monitor the EU’s external borders. The RPAS carry surveillance equipment, including thermal cameras and radars. The system is being tested for several different operations:

• Sea surveillance;
• Support of search-and-rescue operations;
• Detection of vessels suspected of criminal activities;
• Information sharing with multiple users in real time.

The tests are taking place in Greece, Italy, and Portugal.