Drones searching for migrants along Eastbourne’s coast

Remotely-piloted aircraft will be flying in our skies in an airspace stretching from Eastbourne to Maidstone in Kent.

The new scheme, said to be for ‘the purpose of national security and protecting human life’, was launched on December 2 and will continue until March 31, 2020.

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Due to this exercise, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has put in a temporary Danger Area over the English Channel at the Home Office’s request.

This is because the drones will be operating beyond visual line of sight and have no detect and avoid capabilities – according to a report by the CAA.

The aircraft will be operating out of Lydd airport in Kent.

When asked for further information on this, a spokesperson for the Home Office sent the following statement, “The Government retains access to aerial surveillance by working with partner agencies to make use of available assets.

“The Government has used aerial surveillance of the English Channel since January. The Government continues to work with French partners to identify the most effective surveillance and security measures to tackle small boat crossings.”

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