Long-range drones for Frontex

Priority question for written answer  P-002276/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Özlem Demirel (The Left)

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) intends to use long-range drones to monitor the Mediterranean area and with that aim in view awarded a contract worth more than EUR 50 million a year ago. One or more MALE-class drones (medium altitude and long flight duration) are to be deployed in Malta, Italy or Greece, but the system is not yet operational.

• 1.What companies (main contractor and subcontractors) have been awarded the Frontex contract to operate drones in the Mediterranean, and when does the contract start?
• 2.As things stand, where will the drones be deployed and what is their range?
• 3.What radar-based surveillance technology are the drones equipped with, and in what circumstances will the information collected also be shared with third countries such as Libya or Tunisia?