The European border and coast guard agency, Frontex, and the Bulgarian Border Police have launched a new pilot project to test drone technology for border surveillance. Frontex says the initiative offers a glimpse into the future of European border security.
As part of the project, long-endurance tactical drones, equipped with surveillance and communications systems, are being deployed to improve situational awareness and help detect cross-border crime in real time. The project aims to evaluate how this technology can boost operational efficiency while reducing the logistical burden on ground teams.
A key objective is to gather additional insight on drone technologies and their capabilities in delivering aerial surveillance, as well as to measure their operational performance, cost-efficiency, and reliability. The project will also test and map all the necessary procedures and processes for operating uncrewed aerial systems in Frontex Joint Operations.
To implement the project, Frontex has contracted Global SAT, Shield AI, and DAT CON. These partners will deliver and operate the drones under a company-owned, company-operated model, providing turnkey aerial surveillance services using drones equipped with sensors and communications tools.
On 4 and 5 June 2025, Burgas, Bulgaria will host a live demonstration and conference showcasing the new technology in action. The event will bring together representatives from EU Member States, non-EU partners, and EU agencies and institutions to explore the practical benefits, challenges, and future potential of drone surveillance for land and coastal border management.
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Image: Frontex/Yavor Yordanov
