Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems has been awarded a $145 million contract for implementation of the Integrated Fixed Tower (IFT) network to strengthen Arizona‘s southern border with Mexico. According to Defense News, the project, which will be managed by the US Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection Agency, is to take place throughout the year, with an option to extend over a multi-year period.
“Arizonans have been waiting more than a decade for the Department of Homeland Security to place the needed technology along our border to support the Border Patrol. … The awarding of this contract to Elbit Systems of America is an important development toward fully securing our southern border,” said Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in a statement.
As Defense News points out, the US subsidiary of Elbit will reportedly provide a range of electro-optical sensors as part of the project, which will replaces the controversial SBInet program, itself beset by spiraling costs, scheduling delays technological flaws.
