Bulgarian authorities have deconflicted airspace between a drone and manned aircraft using altitude separation alone in uncrewed aerial system trials for the European border and coast guard agency, Frontex.
Shield AI provided its V-BAT uncrewed aerial system (UAS) to support surveillance and security efforts across thousands of miles of land and maritime borders under a contract with Frontex. The system was also used in a wildfire response mission.
The entire Frontex operation covered 8,100 square kilometres and tested both long- and short-endurance UAS equipped with surveillance and communication systems. The aim was to evaluate how uncrewed aircraft can enhance situational awareness, support officers on the ground and help detect cross-border crime more effectively. As well as Shield AI, Global Sat and DAT CON also contributed to the pilot project.
The project focused on testing procedures and real-time coordination. “It helped Frontex build a complete set of guidelines and lessons learned for integrating drones into everyday border missions,” the agency said. “These outcomes will feed into Frontex’s broader plans to modernise border surveillance across the European border and coast guard community.”
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