Protecting European borders against drug trafficking is crucial, which is currently aggravated by the increasing use of small aircraft that allows for almost undetected border crossings, especially coastal borders. Therefore, a system is needed that can add to existing surveillance means and significantly increases the detection probability, particularly for small aircraft. Moreover a prediction of the landing or dropping zone of the aircraft is required.

The ALFA surveillance system, to be developed within the framework of this project, is offering these capabilities. It will bridge the existing capability gap of current operational surveillance systems for border control.

The main objective of the project is the development of a system for timely detection, classification and understanding of the intentions of suspected air targets. The system will also provide a prediction of the landing site or dropping zone. ALFA will contribute to the following EU strategic goals:

• Increasing the EU internal security by the reduction of cross border crime

• Interdiction of drug trafficking

• Assist the prosecution of drug trafficking criminals

• Confiscation of drugs and aircraft

• Interdiction of weapon and illicit substance trafficking