The surveillance platform, a small pilotless aircraft equipped with surveillance sensors which can remain aloft for more than 20 hours, is being evaluated by Customs Coastwatch.

Known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), this aircraft is being tested over 100 hours of day and night flying in waters off Shark Bay, near Carnarvon between 19 June and 2 July.

With a wingspan of just three metres and weighing only 15 kilograms, the aircraft is launched from the back of a four wheel drive vehicle and remotely piloted.

"Australia is always looking at new technologies to more efficiently keep an eye on our vast coastline and I understand that initial results from the trial are encouraging," Senator Ellison said.

"UAVs are being examined by many countries, including Australia, because of their potential to offer a cost-effective, flexible surveillance system that can complement the use of other assets such as aircraft and surface vessels," he said.

"While it is too early to speculate on whether UAVs will form part of our surveillance program in the future, the trial is providing Coastwatch with valuable information about both the limitations and capabilities of this evolving technology."

Coastwatch is currently reviewing its civil maritime surveillance and response program to determine how best to respond to future challenges in civil maritime surveillance.

"The results of this UAV trial will be examined as part of this review," Senator Ellison said.

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