Posted on 08/04/2019 2:04:56 PM PDT by BeauBo
US, Elbit Systems of America, LLC, was awarded an approximately $26 million contract from the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to install an Integrated Fixed Towers (IFT) system in the US Border Patrol Casa Grande Area of Responsibility (AoR) in Arizona. The project will be performed over a one-year period. To date, Elbit Systems of America has been awarded a number of contracts from CBP to install IFT systems in numerous AoRs covering a total of approximately 200 miles of the Arizona–Mexico border.
The IFT system comprises a command and control centre and a networked multi-tower, multi-sensor system that continuously monitors portions of the US southern border. Information from the towers is sent to the command and control centre at a Border Patrol Station providing agents with long-range, persistent surveillance and situational awareness that allows them to dispatch an appropriate response.
(Excerpt) Read more at joint-forces.com ...
This particular contract is for the Tohono O'odham Nation Indian Reservation's border with Mexico - a hot spot for drug trafficking.
With little fanfare, powerful technology programs are rolling out on our Southern border, much more quickly than barrier can be built - hundreds of miles per year. Technology programs are also targeting the longer and more remote Northern border with Canada.
These technology programs can see deep into Mexico, and into the USA, establishing a broad band for detection and tracking to intercept.
Some have already been installed in San Diego, and others are already contracted for Texas.
Wonder how the tower’s detection systems are powered? Solar maybe?
They found rats in the Kroger at New Caney.
They are deployed with generators (note the fuel tank in the picture).
They can be tied into grid electric power, or augmented with solar (the Southern border is the best place in the country for solar), but you need 24x7 reliability for National Security systems, and solar is not that reliable. Even grid electricity requires a generator backup.
Historically, CBP has had to rely heavily on generators in remote locations, and it is an intensive logistics burden on their people. Solar helps a lot.
At least these systems will and should be funded with the restricted and small dollar amounts the Pelosi crew will budget for.
I assume this is a quick hit and eventually followed up with a full bollard border wall with fibre optic sensors and patrol road.
That Indian reservation spans both AZ and MEX, is poor and most likely has their native Indians involved in smuggling. At minimum paid to look the other way.
Just to elaborate, that’s a 500 gallon propane (LP) tank which ought to provide a fairly long (months?) service time between refills. As you say, solar will help a lot, especially in that area where the solar resource is the greatest in the USA. In fact, this article refers to them being “solar powered towers” so I’d guess solar is the primary power source, with generators automatically kicking in if needed to recharge the batteries.
Is there an update on wall segment contracts then construction timetable for the 11 miles east of downtown Calexico, Yuma AZ to San Luis AZ, wall xxx miles going east from San Luis, Organ Pipe national park, and the 46 mi in NM from Santa Teresa to Columbus ports of entry.
Diesel generators, how about fuel cells.
“Is there an update on wall segment contracts?”
I have been checking everyday, for any activity on those contracts that were funded by DoD, since the Supreme Court recently cleared the way.
I haven’t seen any announcements yet. Hopefully, Notice to Proceed was issued, without public announcement. The contracts themselves were previously announced. and usually only that, and announcement of the waivers (environmental, etc.) are the only announcements made.
“At least these systems will and should be funded with the restricted and small dollar amounts the Pelosi crew will budget for.”
We can get powerful technology coverage for about 1/1,000th the cost per mile of serious barrier system, and it deploys much quicker. They bring different capabilities - some overlap, but some are unique, so we need both.
Border Patrol estimated they would need a total of 1,100 miles of wall system, but technology eyes on the entire border (even where there is barrier).
Invite all alien invaders to a free cookout...
Thanks for the article BigBob.
In 2015, they thought this system would be fully operational by 2020 for the whole Arizona border.
But the Obama Administration slow-rolled it.
Now it is funded, and rolling out smartly.
Elbit Systems USA is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense company.
Elbit has done a great job of helping Israel defend its citizens and borders. Hopefully they can do the same for the USA.
P.S. I stand with Israel.
Wonder if any of these mobile systems are used on the border with active military or national guard. Assume most of military on border will be using this.
Is there public record or reporting of large drug running operations being stopped by military or law enforcement. Assume it is kept secret. Tracking drug running convoys and corraling them in the US side of border is huge.
“Hopefully these systems are fully integrated with “napalm-in-the-morning” drones...”
There is a lot of interest in a range of aerial platforms at the border.
I have not heard of lethal force variants being developed or deployed, but if I was being sent out into the wilderness at night to engage armed traffickers, I would want that kind of backup.
A remotely piloted drone, with a sniper rifle, machine gun or .50 cal mounted - I’d think our Infantry would want it too.
“Wonder if any of these mobile systems are used on the border with active military or national guard.”
I think these systems are a CBP program, but military help pull shifts in command centers, watching screens.
Additionally, as part of the Military’s deployment to the border, some elements have deployed with their own Military surveillance systems, and are operating those. Other Military personnel provide logistic support to free up badged Border Patrol Officers, or provide Engineering support to harden Ports of Entry or stringing concertina (hundreds of miles worth).
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