Belize Coast Guard Gets 110 Miles Range Drones  

The Belize Coast Guard has been equipped with military-grade drones that will allow them to extend their patrol far beyond what the eyes can see. Two Skyfront Perimeter Eight Hybrid Drones were commissioned today at an opening ceremony at the Coast Guard’s headquarters just outside of Belize City. The Blue Bond and Belize Fund For Sustainable Development in the Office of the Prime Minister financed the purchase of the drones at one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars each, for a total cost of a quarter of a million dollars for both. And two more are expected to be acquired for the Belize Coast Guard by the end of the year. So, how will these high-flying, long-range drones assist the Belize Coast Guard in their efforts to protect Belize’s maritime space? News Five’s Paul Lopez was at today’s ceremony. He tells us more.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The Belize Coast Guard has acquired two military-grade drones that can reach a maximum range of one hundred and ten miles.

 

Florencio Marin, Minister of National Defense

“Today the Ministry of National Defense and Border Security is demonstrating a new capability that is being added to its reputation. We are entering the domain of unmanned air systems. This new capability equips our Coast Guard with the cutting-edge technology required to conduct operations along our maritime border and beyond line of site well into our exclusive economic zone.”

 

The Belize Coast Guard is authorized to make detentions in Belize’s maritime spaces in instances where individuals are caught violating maritime regulations. The greatest challenge at sea is arguably illegal fishing. Individuals from neighboring countries often fish Belize’s waters without authorization.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“This new aerial fleet will serve as a second fleet and complement our marine vessels, enhance our monitoring capabilities and operational effectiveness across Belize’s blue. This fleet will also assist in our enforcement efforts of illegal fishing and drug trafficking and can contribute to the frequent search and rescue endeavors of our Coast Guards. This is very exciting.”

 

Attendees at today’s launch ceremony on the Coast Guard Compound were given a live demonstration of how the drones would work in a scenario where illicit activities are suspected at sea. In this situation, the drone was sent in to assess the suspected vessel, before the Coast Guard swooped in. The drone boasts proven flight times of over five hours and can carry eleven pounds for three hours or twenty-two pounds for an hour. So, delivering a Coast Guard hat to the prime minister is considered light work.

 

Rear Admiral, Elton Bennett, Commandant, Belize Coast Guard

“The perimeter eight will conduct aerial operations for conservation efforts while simultaneously supporting the twenty-two other missions that the Coast Guard is chartered to conduct. The drone squadron will be charged with delivering intelligence, surveillance and target acquisition in support of the first and second fleet. Let me paint the picture for you, a pilot station that could be stationed here at the Coast Guard headquarters will be able to conduct surveillance operations from here to San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye. A pilot station here will be able to conduct surveillance all along the coast, from this station to Commerce Bight Pier in Dangriga. A pilot station at our based-on Hunting Caye will easily be able to patrol the Corona Reef and the entire Gulf of Honduras. Our operation base at Calabash Caye will be able to easily patrol our three atolls in support of our maritime operations.”

 

According to Prime Minister John Briceño, the benefits of these newly commissioned unmanned aerial assets are far reaching. He spoke about the blue economy’s role in poverty reduction, economic transformation and environmental protection. Effective monitoring of Belize’s blue spaces ensures the long-term sustainability of these objectives.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“In just two years since the groundbreaking of the Belize Blue Bonds initiative, we have made remarkable strides. WE have committed ourselves to a vision of a healthy ocean space where development is balanced between the needs of both nature and people. The Blue Bonds program is more than just a financial mechanism. It is a testament to our dedication to a nature positive economy and a people centric agenda. It is about ensuring that our marine and coastal resources continue to provide essential ecosystem services, protect us from the impacts of climate change and secure the livelihoods of future generations.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.