“The problem both CBP and the Coast Guard have is that they both have very tight budgets,” said Phil Finnegan, director of corporate analysis for the Teal Group. He notes that CBP already flies MQ-9s along the border and may not want to “downgrade” its small fleet of unmanned systems. As is, CBP has come under fire from watchdog groups for the cost of its MQ-9 program. The Coast Guard might be a better bet, Finnegan said. The service has sought unmanned capability for years, including a failed attempt at developing its own specialized platform known as the Eagle Eye, and has a standing interest in land-based UAVs. Taking the older Predators from the Air Force may be a cheap option.

While it’s rare to find brokers who fly planes to move Long Island real estate, the use of drones is on the rise. Global sales of unmanned aircraft, including those used by the military, are expected to total $89 billion in the next 10 years, making it one of the fastest growing aviation industry segments, according to Fairfax, Virginia-based consultant Teal Group.

Worldwide sales of military and civilian drones will reach an estimated $89 billion over the next decade, according to the Teal Group, an aerospace research company in Fairfax, Va. The FAA estimates as many as 7,500 small commercial drones will be in use by 2018, assuming the necessary regulations are in place.

Según afirman desde Teal Group, casa de análisis dedicada al sector aerospacial y de defensa, “el gasto en este sector se verá duplicado a lo largo de la próxima década, pasando de los 5.200 millones de dólares anuales que se destinan en la actualidad a 11.600 millones”. De hecho, se espera que en el cómputo global de los siguientes diez ejercicios se destinen cerca de 89.000 millones de dólares (66.000 millones de euros) a este ámbito. “El mercado de drones se está convirtiendo en un mercado cada vez más internacional a medida que crece”, afirmaba Philip Finnegan de Teal Group. Y es que, “este sector ofrece un servicio rápido, eficaz y amigable que ayuda a las empresas que se dediquen a la seguridad” señalan desde Siemens.

One analyst said Northrop would do well to focus on maritime capability. “The US Army likes the STARlite, but it could have a much bigger future if they can go maritime, which is what the US will need more of as it focuses on Asia,” said David Rockwell, an analyst at the Teal Group.