The publication Homeland Security Today reported today (Dec. 4) that a highly-placed source says the U.S. Customs and Border Protection has no plans to go forward with purchase of 14 more Predator unmanned aerial systems to augment its current drone force. Early last month, a sole-source contract for drones went to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems of San Diego. At that time, some assumed that the government would purchase another 14 Predators for $443 million, reports the magazine. "But a source with knowledge of CBP [Customs and Border Protection] acquisition plans said the agency was unlikely to buy any Predators in the next five years," says the publication, noting that the comment contradicted claims from others.
The publication Homeland Security Today reported today (Dec. 4) that a highly-placed source says the U.S. Customs and Border Protection has no plans to go forward with purchase of 14 more Predator unmanned aerial systems to augment its current drone force. Early last month, a sole-source contract for drones went to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems of San Diego. At that time, some assumed that the government would purchase another 14 Predators for $443 million, reports the magazine. "But a source with knowledge of CBP [Customs and Border Protection] acquisition plans said the agency was unlikely to buy any Predators in the next five years," says the publication, noting that the comment contradicted claims from others.