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Maritime Border Security topic 2: affordable and easily deployable technologies for EU coastal border surveillance with reduced impact on the environment

 

Specific challenge:

The use of low cost and “green” technologies is expected to become mandatory for future border control systems in environmentally sensitive areas. Systems of passive (or low emission) radar technologies or other relevant technologies provide promising results for the detection of targets in areas that cannot be covered by active systems. Passive systems fit this application, due to electromagnetic invisibility, lower detectability and cost and the possibility of use practically anywhere.

R&D is needed to better apply this technology maritime surveillance, also in combination with other systems, and using the signals coming from existing systems. The technology should be developed, taking into account validated risk assessment methodologies.

Scope:

The areas of research and development are expected to include, among others:

  1. further development of devices and sensors for maritime targets and environment (e.g. fit for mobile platforms) easily deployable on field and with limited impact on spectrum environment.
  2. development of specific, early identification, tracking and fusion algorithms
  3. operation in network configurations together with other systems for improved performances

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between €3m and €5m would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected impact:

The impact of the research will be benchmarked against the potential for integration of novel technology into current border surveillance systems in order to redress its limitations. Projects should fit concepts of operations set for missions involving multiple Member States border surveillance/security organisations. This topic would contribute further to the development of the European Border Surveillance System1 (EUROSUR) and the CISE. Innovations shall be able to seamlessly cooperate and interface with existing infrastructure supporting the CISE constituent communities.

The outcome of the proposal is expected to lead to development up to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5; please see part G of the General Annexes.

Type of action: Research & Innovation Actions

 

[1] The aim of EUROSUR is to reinforce the control of the Schengen external borders. EUROSUR will establish a mechanism for Member States' authorities carrying out border surveillance activities to share operational information with a view to reduce the loss of lives at sea and the number of irregular immigrants entering the EU undetected, and  increase internal security by preventing cross-border crime such trafficking in human beings and the smuggling of drugs.