The U.S. Border Patrol has confirmed the Integrated Fixed Tower program for further deployment as part of efforts to address operational requirements and protect the U.S. border.
Border Patrol announced the certification of the IFTs in a memo sent to the Congress’ appropriations committee and lead acquisition officer on March 1, the Customs and Border Protection agency said Tuesday.
“This decision is based on a review of test results and agent feedback from the IFT deployment in Nogales, Arizona,” said Ronald Vitiello, acting chief of the Border Patrol.
The agency authorized the tower system as part of the 2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act.
IFTs are surveillance towers that use a suite of sensors to detect and identify objects and individuals that enter the U.S. border.
Elbit Systems of America was selected in February 2014 to build the fixed towers for CBP.
