BMD develops and transitions technical capabilities that help strengthen U.S. land border security by safeguarding lawful trade and travel and disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal and terrorist organizations.

Major Projects

Air-based Technologies

This project aims to identify, test and evaluate sensors mounted on fixed and rotary wing manned and unmanned aircraft and small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) for possible use by DHS components. These sensors are intended to improve detection, classification and tracking of illicit activity. Additionally, this project works to provide DHS components and the first responder community with an unbiased evaluation of available airborne sensors in realistic, operationally relevant scenarios. Airborne sensors will improve situational awareness for responders during emergency events (e.g. floods, forest fires). In addition, the project is developing technologies to enable and enhance SUAS access to the National Airspace System. The project will improve U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Coast Guard, and the first responder community’s awareness and understanding of the utility of mature airborne sensor systems and platforms for border security and public safety missions.

Ground-based Technologies

The Ground-based Technologies project is pursuing technologies such as radars, imagers, unattended ground sensors, tripwires and related communication and power technologies for DHS components. BMD is also identifying methods and technology to effectively counter border spotters. Improved situational awareness of U.S. terrestrial borders between the ports of entry will result in higher interdiction rates of illegal activity through higher detection rates, fewer false alarms and better utilization of border patrol agents and assets.

Tunnel Detection and Surveillance

The Tunnel Detection and Surveillance project provides CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement the capability to detect and locate clandestine tunnels and the ability to perform forensic analysis of a detected tunnel to support investigations and prosecution. Such capabilities will increase the number of detected tunnels, resulting in a reduction in the flow of contraband smuggled into the United States via tunnels. This work will help keep hundreds of tons of drugs off U.S. streets while saving thousands of CBP labor hours. Forensic tools and processes developed will increase our ability to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in the creation or use of tunnels for smuggling.