In response to the migrant crisis in Europe, the European Space Agency and the European Maritime Safety Agency have selected the unmanned aircraft system TEKEVOR for testing the benefits of deploying unmanned aircraft for surveillance, including search and rescue missions. This is being touted as the first demonstration of drone technology being used for maritime surveillance operations. The testing will commence this summer.

During the testing, TEKEVER will be deployed from land and will assist with determining how the deployment of unmanned aircraft can augment or replace satellites, manned aircraft and vessels.

The testing will take place in the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea during multiple environmental conditions.

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