The Home Office of the United Kingdom (UK) has secured a £15 million deal with Telespazio, a global space firm, to use advanced spy satellites for monitoring migrant crossings in the Channel. The contract, which began in November, aims to boost surveillance for the Joint Maritime Security Centre, improving the identification of “dark targets” such as vessels used by criminals and small boats used by migrants. The satellites, alongside radar, cameras, and sensors, will provide 24/7 coverage of UK waters. UK’s newspaper Daily Mail reported this on Monday.
Telespazio, which has a UK branch in Luton, will supply enhanced surveillance capabilities to track threats to national security, law and order, and the marine environment. These satellite systems will complement existing technology to ensure more effective monitoring of the Channel. The contract also reflects the government's broader strategy to tackle illegal activities such as people smuggling, illegal fishing, and drug trafficking in UK waters.
This year has seen a record number of migrant deaths in the Channel, with 36,204 arrivals in small boats. Since 2018, over 150,000 migrants have made the dangerous crossing. In response, the Home Office is stepping up efforts to combat small boat crossings by recruiting additional investigative officers and working closely with European partners to disrupt people-smuggling networks.
Meanwhile, at least three migrants tragically died in a Channel crossing incident on Saturday. A large-scale rescue operation was launched near Sangatte, France, after the alarm was raised early in the morning. Survivors reported seeing a child fall into the sea, and though rescue teams worked tirelessly, the child remains missing. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as investigations continue.
The contract, which runs until next September, includes a requirement for Telespazio to comply with the Official Secrets Act. It underscores the growing importance of satellite surveillance in securing the UK’s maritime borders. A Home Office spokesperson said: “The Joint Maritime Security Centre is leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide continuous monitoring of UK waters, helping detect illegal activities such as people smuggling and illegal fishing.”
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
