AMO to Deploy Advanced Aerostat Over Cudjoe Key in September

Florida’s Skies to See Enhanced Border Security Monitoring

CUDJOE KEY, FLORIDA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO) will launch the state-of-the-art “Argos 2” aerostat over Cudjoe Key this September. The tethered aerostat will be stationed alongside the longstanding Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS), marking a significant advancement in aerial surveillance efforts aimed at combating illegal border activities

History of TARS in Florida

The Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) has been a mainstay in Florida’s border security operations since 1980. Designed to address the challenges of border monitoring, TARS uses helium to deploy massive aerostats at altitudes reaching 10,000 to 12,000 feet. These elevated positions allow for radar coverage that overcomes the natural limitations of the earth’s curvature, providing a long-range view that standard ground-based systems cannot achieve.

The Argos 2 aerostat, set to join TARS in Florida, is expected to enhance these capabilities significantly. By working in tandem with the established radar system, Argos 2 will contribute to a more robust and comprehensive approach to border surveillance.

Addressing Increases in Illegal Activities

This deployment comes at a critical time as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has observed increased illegal smuggling, immigration, and fishing activities in the region. According to AMO, the Argos 2 aerostat will bolster CBP’s ability to monitor and address these challenges, offering additional situational awareness and extending the operational reach of law enforcement agencies.

Past deployments of aerostats have proven invaluable to CBP’s efforts to secure the U.S. border. These high-altitude surveillance systems have not only improved CBP’s ability to detect and track suspicious activity but also enhanced the operations of the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies. The Argos 2 will continue this tradition, bringing advanced surveillance capabilities to the forefront of border security operations.

CBP’s Role in Border Security

As the nation’s largest law enforcement organization, U.S. Customs and Border Protection plays a crucial role in maintaining national security. With over 65,000 personnel, CBP operates on land, at sea, and in the air, ensuring the safety of America’s borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade. The Argos 2 aerostat is the latest tool in CBP’s arsenal, further strengthening its ability to monitor and protect U.S. airspace and coastal regions.

The deployment of Argos 2 marks a continued investment in innovative technology that supports CBP’s mission to prevent illegal smuggling and immigration activities. The addition of this advanced aerostat to Florida’s airspace is expected to provide an enhanced layer of security in one of the nation’s key border regions.