European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX)

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) conducts defense and aerospace operations through multipurpose aerial surveillance (MAS) using planes, drones, helicopters, and surveillance aircraft to patrol EU external borders, particularly the Mediterranean, for border security, search and rescue, and counter-smuggling activities. It contracts with companies like Airbus, Israel Aerospace Industries, and others for long-endurance uncrewed aerial systems such as the Maritime Heron UAV—capable of over 20 hours of flight with advanced sensors and radar—and engages in counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) testing to detect and neutralize unauthorized drones at borders.