Smuggling of narcotics and other forms of contraband is a major challenge for any nation with a substantial coastline, or mountainous borders, and aircraft are crucial tools in the battle against the criminals. They need to have the range and endurance to police lengthy coastlines or mountainous borders, but also the manoeuvrability to observe illegal activity when it is spotted and to pursue smugglers if necessary, while calling in helicopters, surface vessels, or ground support. On-board systems should include sensors to detect, track and record smuggling by day or night and to communicate with other assets and agencies to co-ordinate responses.



Airbus Military’s surveillance aircraft family is the market leader in this mission, with models suitable for coastline surveillance and maritime patrol. The CN235 and C295 both have an endurance of up to 11 hours, excellent low-level flying characteristics with up to 3g manoeuvrability and a cruise speed optimised for persistent surveillance and oceanic coverage if required. They benefit from bubble windows to observe and photograph offenders, and safe low-speed flying characteristics. All the aircraft have special anti-corrosion treatment for the maritime environment, contributing to their low cost of ownership. Used in the surveillance role, the A400M will be a yet more powerful asset in countering smuggling, with still greater range and endurance, and able to more intensively cover a given area.