Supporting action against illegal fishing by foreign vessels, Australian Border Force (ABF) has deployed Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to Operation LEEDSTRUM in the Kimberley Marine Park (KMP) in Western Australia.
The addition of drones enhances surveillance capabilities as they provide greater range across patrol areas that are difficult or dangerous to access by traditional methods due to mangroves or other thick vegetation, fast moving or shallow water, and predatory wildlife such as crocodiles.
‘Western Australia’s coastline is vast and remote with thousands of kilometres to patrol. RPAS helps us extend our surveillance footprint and improve officer safety, working alongside our other assets and partnerships to deliver results,’ said ABF Commander Ranjeev Maharaj, commenting that RPAS technology represents a force multiplier.
Operating with advanced optics and sensors, the drones can be flown by both day and night, providing real-time vision that helps ABF officers identify illegal fishing activity, abandoned camps and equipment hiding spots.
The deployment is part of a broader RPAS rollout across northern Australia, which includes recent integration into Operation LUNAR in the Northern Territory.
RPAS complement existing enforcement measures to protect Australia’s maritime resources, which include aerial surveillance, patrol boats, land patrols and community engagement.
‘It’s about a smarter approach using innovative technology, not replacing existing patrols. RPAS enhances officer safety and efficiency by allowing us to monitor inaccessible areas and gather intelligence without putting crews at risk,’ said RPAS Operations Superintendent Brendan Kosmer
