The budgets determine the tools used for Homeland security

The budgets determine the tools used for Homeland security

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13711561_sBudget cuts are a reality of almost every country in the world. These cuts have begun to have an effect on the tools given to those in charge of homeland security. But these cuts may open a market for some Israeli defense companies.

The situation in the u.s is a good example. With the War in Iraq over and the War in Afghanistan winding down, the Department of Homeland Security has the option to acquire surplus aircraft from the Armed Forces to fill out Coast Guard and Border Patrol fleets. But with 8.2 percent budget cuts due in March, the department may lack the funding to repair and refurbish combat-battered planes.

And this is where the other option is brought up. This is the adaptation of commercial aircraft for coast and border patrol. A new report from the public-policy think tank Lexington Institute explains that commercial airplanes come with a large civilian market and supply chain, making replacement parts much cheaper than their military equivalents and allowing the planes to be in service much longer than war-worn aircraft.

One promising commercial option is the Super King Air 350.

This aircraft is very fuel efficient, is capable of using short runways and has a very long operational range.

A fact sheet about the plane published by Customs and Border Patrol also describes a trio of sensors and radar that would make the Super King very useful for patrolling vast stretches of border and coast.

Israel aerospace industries (IAI) has used the King Air-350 as a platform for military platforms . Now there may be an option to offer the type and others for the homeland security applications.