Addition Of A Third Predator Means Entire Borer Will Be Covered

President Barack Obama signed a bill last month allocation $600 million towards an increase in border security, and part of that money will fund a third Predator UAS for use along the U.S. border with Mexico. Flights are expected to begin September 1st.

DHS Predator At AirVenture 2009

The third aircraft means that, for the first time, the entire U.S.-Mexico border will be covered by the unmanned systems. The three aircraft and their crews will be responsible for monitoring the border all the way from Texas to California.

Bloomberg News reports that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a conference call Tuesday that the latest Predator will be deployed in Corpus Cristi, TX on Wednesday.

The legislation signed by the President August 13th provides for another two UAS systems for DHS, as well as funding for a third aircraft system for Customs and Border Protection. The move comes at a time when illegal immigration is seen as a potential hot-button issue in the upcoming general election in November, and Republican lawmakers call on the administration to place more equipment and manpower on the border to catch those coming to the U.S. illegally.

FMI: www.dhs.gov