BELIZE CITY, Belize – In a significant move to enhance the monitoring and enforcement of marine resources, the Belize government has officially launched the Belize Coast Guard Drone Squadron. This initiative, part of the Blue Bond Program, aims to leverage advanced technology to improve surveillance and protection of Belize’s vital ocean spaces.
The new Drone Squadron is outfitted with two Perimeter 8+ Long Range System UAVs, hybrid military drones that can operate for up to 5 hours, covering a distance of 110 miles at altitudes reaching 13,000 feet. Equipped with an Infrared (EO/IR) stabilized camera, these UAVs are capable of conducting nighttime missions, providing both thermal and long-range visible imagery for enhanced operational effectiveness.
The Belize Coast Guard plays a crucial role in enforcing the country’s maritime laws, protecting its resources, ensuring safety at sea, and overseeing fisheries within Belize’s territorial waters, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone.
This strategic investment of BZ$525,450.00 has been funded through the Government Strategic Allocation project, supported by the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future.
At the launch, Prime Minister John Briceño emphasized:
“The establishment of the Coast Guard Drone Squadron represents a monumental leap forward for our national development and enhances our commitment to protecting our invaluable marine resources for present and future generations of Belizeans.”
