One of the standout solutions in this realm is Leonardo’s ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) system, a platform designed to revolutionise how both law enforcement and the military operates, according to the manufacturer.

ATOS is an integrated, multi-sensor, and multi-platform system that provides high-end surveillance, monitoring, and command and control capabilities for security and defence operations. Developed by Italian aerospace, defence, and security company Leonardo, ATOS is designed to enhance the effectiveness of various security operations by combining a suite of technologies that improve situational awareness, tactical decision-making, and operational coordination.

The system is modular, adaptable, and scalable, meaning it can be deployed on a wide range of platforms, from manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to land-based command posts. Its versatility makes it ideal for border security applications where large, diverse geographic areas must be monitored, and rapid, accurate decision-making is crucial.

Multi-Sensor Integration

One of the most powerful features of the ATOS system is its ability to integrate various sensors, including radar units, infrared and electro-optical cameras, and communications systems. By combining data from these different sources, ATOS provides border patrol operators with a comprehensive, real-time picture of the situation on the ground. Whether it is tracking suspicious vehicles along remote border areas, detecting illegal crossings at night using infrared cameras, or intercepting illicit communications, ATOS delivers situational awareness that is critical for responding to security threats.

Command and Control Capabilities

The ATOS system’s command and control features allow for seamless coordination between different security agencies, which is essential for effective border patrol operations. It enables rapid sharing of real-time information and video feeds between aircraft, ground units, and command centres. This interconnectedness ensures that border security forces can quickly assess a situation, allocate resources, and coordinate responses, leading to faster interdiction of threats and more efficient resource deployment.

Real-Time Data Analysis

The integration of advanced analytics within the ATOS system allows security forces to process and interpret large volumes of data quickly and accurately. Using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, ATOS can autonomously detect potential threats such as unusual movement patterns, vehicle anomalies, or the presence of unauthorized persons in restricted areas. This automatic analysis reduces the burden on human operators, allowing them to focus on the most critical aspects of the mission while ensuring that potential threats are identified and flagged instantly.

Versatile Platform Deployment

The ATOS system can be deployed on a variety of platforms, providing flexibility for different operational needs. Whether mounted on fixed-wing aircraft for large-scale aerial surveillance, helicopters for rapid deployment in specific border zones, or UAVs for more localized and covert monitoring, ATOS is adaptable to a wide range of mission profiles. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing platforms means that border patrol agencies can enhance their capabilities without overhauling existing infrastructure.

Long-Range Surveillance

The system’s long-range surveillance capabilities allow for monitoring vast border areas, including remote and hard-to-reach locations. By leveraging high-performance radar and electro-optical/infrared sensors, ATOS can detect and track objects over long distances, providing border security personnel with early warnings of potential intrusions or suspicious activities. This extended range is especially beneficial for countries with extensive borders or challenging terrain, where conventional patrol methods may be insufficient.

Enhanced Interoperability

ATOS is designed to be fully interoperable with other security and defence systems, such as national radar networks, communication systems, and even other border security agencies’ technologies. This interoperability allows for improved collaboration between agencies, enabling the sharing of data across borders and between different levels of government, which is essential for tackling transnational crime and ensuring comprehensive border security.

Applications of ATOS in Border Security

ATOS’s multi-sensor capabilities make it particularly effective for monitoring official border crossings and detecting illegal crossings. By combining radar and infrared sensors with real-time video feeds, ATOS can detect unauthorized movement even in low-visibility conditions such as at night or during inclement weather. In the event of suspicious activity, operators can quickly deploy ground patrol units to intercept intruders before they cross into restricted areas.

Border security forces can use ATOS to monitor remote, unmanned sections of the border, where traditional patrols may be ineffective. The system’s ability to detect vehicles, boats, or individuals involved in smuggling activities enables early identification of illicit shipments and better enforcement of customs regulations. Whether intercepting drugs, weapons, or human trafficking operations, ATOS improves the ability of border patrols to disrupt illegal trade.

Illegal immigration is a significant challenge for many countries with porous borders. ATOS’s surveillance capabilities allow border patrol agencies to monitor high-risk areas, detect human movement along the border, and intercept migrants before they enter the country. The system’s ability to track and record movements also helps authorities gather intelligence on human trafficking networks and organized crime syndicates involved in illegal immigration.

The system’s infrared and optical sensors make it invaluable for search and rescue operations, particularly in difficult terrain or along coastlines. In the event of a distress call or missing persons report, ATOS can quickly identify the location of the individuals and provide real-time information to rescuers, enabling them to navigate safely to the area and deliver aid.

Leonardo’s ATOS system is, according to the manufacturer, setting a new standard for border security operations by providing advanced surveillance and command capabilities that address the growing complexities of modern border challenges. With its multi-sensor integration, long-range surveillance, and real-time data analysis, ATOS is described as a game-changer for border patrol agencies, enabling them to more effectively detect, track, and respond to security threats. As global border security needs continue to evolve, ATOS offers a flexible, scalable, and powerful solution to ensure national security, protect borders, and combat transnational crime, something which South Africa could certainly make use of for its border management challenges.

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Under the command of Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment (AA) deployed to safeguard South Africa’s northern border on 1 September 2024 and is scheduled to complete their deployment on 30 April 2025.

Based out of Kimberly, 10 AA contributes a Battalion Tactical Headquarters and one Company, Bravo Company, to the deployment. They are joined by Alpha Company, from the Chief Langalibalele Rifles, Charlie Company from 5 South African Infantry, and Delta Company, from the Mapungubwe Regiment. Each Company is assigned a sector of the border, and collectively patrol an area measuring 1 038km in length.

On the morning of 28 November, members of the media gathered at Musina military base before joining Bravo Company personnel for a day patrol along hotspots on the Musina and Pondrift border sections. These sections account for approximately two thirds of the 270 km long border between South Africa and Zimbabwe, which has become notorious for its porous nature, given that it is defined by the Limpopo River, a seasonal river which remains dry for up to eight months per year.

As a result of the unreliable nature of the river, much of the area is fenced by barbed wire, which has been cut and broken countless times, with some sections being left bare and exposed. Previously, the area east of Beit Bridge was secured by an electric fence, but the fence was severely damaged by destructive floods in 2000.

The most frequent illegal activity which the battalion has been tasked with preventing is illegal border crossing, a daily occurrence and almost impossible to prevent.

After mounting up on Toyota Land Cruiser troop packs, the main form of mobility for the SANDF along the border, we drove along the eastern side of Beit Bridge for several kilometres, before coming to a stop at a crossing point frequented by smugglers, known in the area as Goma-gomas.

At roughly 200 metres wide, the dry sandy riverbed has become no-man’s land, an area covered by littered cigarette packets, energy drink cans, beer bottles and cough syrup bottles, with the occasional stagnant puddle, a reminder of the recent rainfall which marks the beginning of the wet season.

On both sides of the river exist small informal settlements. Although separated by the river, they are part of the same community, one which according to a Lieutenant Colonel who was our guide, facilitates smuggling and illegal crossings. As we stood in the riverbed, the Lieutenant Colonel pointed towards the tracks in the sand, fresh from recent activity. Donkeys, and donkey carts, have become a common method of transporting contraband from side to side.

During the day, the donkeys roam freely, drinking from pools of water, and resting under the shade along the banks on either side. Across the river, there is little activity on the Zimbabwean side. From under the shade of a tree, we are watched by groups of people, whom the SANDF personnel identified as “destabilisers”.

As we observed the movements across the riverbed, a man carrying a bucket in each hand passed through our group, and calmly walked across to the other side, knowing the soldiers could not stop him. This became a common sight throughout the day: anytime we approached the bank of the river, migrants and Goma-gomas would simply just run across to the other side, where soldiers could not pursue.

Many of the soldiers who accompanied us expressed a sense of disappointment, noting they could do their best, and would still not be able to prevent illegal crossings. Since the man with the buckets was crossing over to Zimbabwe, it would be the responsibility of Zimbabwean authorities to apprehend and detain him. However, at no point were Zimbabwean authorities present on the other side. According to some of the migrants interviewed at Beit Bridge, Zimbabwean authorities are also part of the problem.

Upon crossing to Zimbabwe, migrants face threats of violence from Zimbabwean authorities, who often extort migrants and steal whatever they have crossed with. Those who cross legally through Beit Bridge must pay tax on goods bought in South Africa, something which many cannot afford, leaving them to risk crossing back illegally.

As we were departing from Beit bridge, we received reports that a group of migrants was attempting to cross illegally under the bridge itself, in broad daylight. Our convoy quickly intervened, and the migrants dropped their cargo and scattered. A lone individual decided to stay with the cargo, facing whatever consequences awaited him.

Surrounded by several large bags of contraband, the man sat sturdy, a stoic impression on his face. It was clear he had faced this situation before and would likely face it again. Approaching after our vehicles came to a stop, I asked him if there were cigarettes in his bags, one of the most common forms of contraband smuggled. To my surprise, he shook his head, and after a close look at the bag nearest to me, I realised he was caught attempting to smuggle shoes, clothing, and other household items.

As we waited for Military Police to arrive, one of the soldiers assigned to us for the day informed us that the group was likely attempting to avoid being taxed by Zimbabwean authorities and was likely carrying orders received from people on the other side. Several people we spoke to at Beit Bridge revealed they cross over weekly, sometimes more than once a week, simply to purchase essential groceries such as bread, cooking oil and soap. One woman noted a trip usually takes her eight to ten hours, with most of the time spent queueing at passport control.

Throughout the day patrol, activity along the border was relatively calm, with one soldier remarking that days are often long, slow and dusty. We would have to wait until nightfall to get a true sense of what really goes on at South Africa’s northern border.

This is part one of a series.

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Aimed at markets in Africa, Latin America and Asia, Milkor launched the Land Cruiser-based 6×6 Frontier military vehicle. This vehicle addresses the need for an agile, well-protected military transport vehicle. Built on the reliable Toyota Land Cruiser chassis, this 6×6 vehicle features a 4.5-liter V8 engine, providing it with a powerful, yet adaptable, platform for various combat and peacekeeping roles.

Milkor said the Frontier is ideal for regions requiring mobility and cost-effective military solutions. It features proven off-road capability with military-grade armour. Variants include troop carrier (seating up to 12), Long Range Patrol Vehicle, Rapid Reaction Vehicle and fire fighter. Gross vehicle mass (GVM) is 8 700 kg and top speed up to 120 km/h. Armour can be up to B6 level.

A smaller, lighter 4×4 Frontier model with a GVM of 5 700 kg is also available, perfect for border surveillance and utility tasks. It is available in three versions, including a stripped-down extra lightweight VTT version.

Another standout offering of Milkor’s Land Systems is the Milkor Bushcat APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier). Previously known as the Milkor 4×4, this 12-ton GVM vehicle offers a balance between high-level protection and operational efficiency, positioning it as a cost-effective solution for military and peacekeeping operations.

Designed with rugged terrain and infantry transport in mind, the Bushcat provides robust protection for its occupants, making it an ideal choice for peacekeeping missions, border security and law enforcement. It offers military-standard protection with minimal operational costs, making it one of the most affordable APCs in its class, Milkor said. Blast protection is to STANAG 3A and 3B standards, with Level 2 ballistic protection. It can accommodate manned or unmanned turrets.

Milkor’s brand new Vanguard MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle was launched at AAD 2024. This 20-ton GVM vehicle is built for high-end combat and cross-domain operations, offering what the company said is unparalleled protection and strength. It meets NATO STANAG 4A and 4B standards, providing protection against 10 kg landmines. Its Level 3 ballistic protection ensures the safety of the 2+8 or 2+10 crew, depending on the seating configuration.

Built for demanding environments, the Vanguard MRAP features independent suspension and a 450-horsepower engine, giving a top speed of 100 km/h on road. The turret may be optionally manned or unmanned. With its V-shaped hull design, it offers enhanced survivability in combat situations, making it ideal for UN peacekeeping missions and European defence forces. Variants include troop deployment, command vehicle, border surveillance, field ambulance and anti-riot capability.

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