Overview

Maritime security is of utmost significance to the world community as there are maritime concerns ranging from piracy at sea to illegal immigration and weapon smuggling. It also deals with threats of terrorist attacks and environmental catastrophes.

Here’s the solution – Drones

Drones can conduct coastal security. Effective surveillance by all available means is a sine qua non to be forewarned and forearmed. At present surveillance is built around regular patrols undertaken by surface and air platforms of the designated areas.

Equipping surface ships with small unmanned aerial systems (UASs) means long range surveillance but also for carrying out precision strikes. The potential applications of drones in world’s maritime space are many. Drones can help create situational awareness through eye-in-the-sky missions for preventing illegal immigration, inspection of vessel wear and tear, and even in the protection of endangered flora and fauna. Their primary potential lies in taking over somewhat unsafe and uncomfortable tasks normally carried out by inspectors, at lowered costs of operation. Drones can also replace dangerous jobs. For instance, they can be used to ignite oil spills (in-site burning) and help clean the coast most cost-effectively and speedily.