The H2020 project - Advanced Low Flying Aircrafts Detection and Tracking (ALFA), which aims to develop technology to detect small aircraft and drones that carry out flights at low altitudes, was presented yesterday, the 10th, in Cacela Velha, in the municipality of Vila Real de santo António (VRSA).
This initiative aims to increase the "surveillance capacity of land and sea borders", through the development "of technology that allows the timely detection and prediction of small aircraft and drones that perform flights at low altitudes and speeds, thus preventing crime using this type of medium, sometimes unmanned”, according to the Chamber of VRSA.
The presentation of the project, yesterday, in the fort of Cacela Velha – «a strategic point of defense and cross-border control in the Algarve region» -, took place after a test phase, carried out in June.
"It is hoped that the project will make it possible to address flaws in current surveillance systems, contributing to the prevention of cross-border crimes, in particular in the reduction of trafficking in drugs, weapons and illicit substances along maritime borders," according to the municipality.
«The mission of ALFA2020 is, therefore, to develop a system for detection, classification and timely knowledge of the intentions of suspicious air targets, reinforcing the traditional methods of detection already used by security forces. adaptable to other areas of interest,” he added.
Among other entities, the technology is being developed in partnership with the Coastal Control Unit of the Republican National Guard (GNR), as well as the Spanish Ministry of Interior, namely the General Directorate of the Civil Guard.
"The consortium brings together a vast team of recognized European organisations, comprising nine partners from 6 different European countries, including three industrial partners, an SME, a university, two research and innovation units and two government agencies", concluded the Chamber of VRSA.
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