AsiaOperationsPiracy

Singapore deploys radar blimp in bid to track pirates

Singapore: In a bid to counter rising regional maritime piracy as well as try to keep track of air traffic in the wake of the MH370 disaster, Singapore’s Ministry of Defence has announced plans to launch a radar-equipped blimp above the city.

A giant unmanned helium-filled balloon will be held down by fortified ropes to float 600 m above ground.

The so-called aerostat will be similar to the ones seen at golf tournaments, which help viewers track balls in the air, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a statement. The radar, operating 24 hours a day, will be capable of monitoring as far as 200 km.
Attacks on predominantly small product tankers leaving Singapore have been a constant threat all year.  

Could Singapore be doing more to help crack down on maritime piracy in the region? That’s one of eight questions we ask in a new online poll looking at the state of maritime in Singapore. The poll takes two minutes to fill in and there is no registration. It can be accessed here. [03/11/14]

 

RELATED STOR:
How to beat the pirates

 

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