A first Frontex plane deployed over the English Channel
(B2) A Danish Challenger aircraft landed on December 1 in Lille. It will operate over the Channel on behalf of Frontex, in a tense situation between the continent and the United Kingdom.
- This plane follows the meeting held in Calais this Sunday (November 28) between France and the other countries bordering the continent - Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany - but without the presence of the United Kingdom. Paris having withdrawn its invitation (read: Notebook 30.11.2021))
Aerial surveillance begins
A first aircraft has been engaged in the Channel and North Sea region “ to support the French and Belgian authorities in managing the migration crisis, Frontex said in a statement. The French Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin specifies that it is a question of " strengthen aerial surveillance ».
A first Danish plane
The first aircraft deployed is a Danish Air Force Challenger, which operates on behalf of Frontex. " Its crew is very experienced and has already been deployed in other Frontex operations, most recently in Spain », Indicates the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. Equipped with sensors and radars, the device also carries " liaison officers from the competent authorities to support the crew and facilitate rapid and efficient decision-making ».
The device ready to evolve
Other planes could join the system, indicates the director of Frontex, Fabrice Leggeri: " We are starting with one aircraft, but we are ready to increase our support if necessary ". Because he judges the evolution of the situation… “ concern ».
(Helen Chachaty)
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