The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has partnered with a U.S. company, Swift Tactical Systems, to field more drones and increase the force’s domain awareness. SWIFT TACTICAL SYSTEMS/SWIFT ENGINEERING
THE WATCH STAFF
The Bahamas graduated 13 newly certified drone pilots in August 2024 in its latest multiagency training session. The drone training program bolsters national security and defense — especially maritime domain awareness — of a key U.S. partner in the Caribbean region. Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) Capt. Carlton Bethel, the director of the Ministry of National Security’s national unmanned systems (BAHNUS) program, said adding drone pilots increases the country’s capability to defend its territory. “The BAHNUS program has been instrumental in establishing the Bahamas as a regional center of excellence for unmanned systems,” Bethel said in an RBDF news release. “By providing training to personnel from multiple agencies, we are enhancing our collective capabilities and strengthening national security.”
Thirteen people from various national security agencies, including the RBDF, Bahamas Department of Corrections, Bahamas Department of Immigration and Bahamas Customs Department, participated in the seven-week program, according to the release. Trainees operated the Skydio multi-copter and the Deep Trekker underwater tethered drone, both used in a variety of roles, including maritime surveillance. In the last five years, five classes have graduated in the Bahamas, and the RBDF has trained drone operators in Guyana and Barbados. “This demonstrates the program’s commitment to sharing expertise and supporting the development of unmanned systems capabilities throughout the Caribbean region,” the release stated.
At the graduation ceremony, new operators showcased their abilities on the Deep Trekker in a live demonstration, showing the asset’s value in search and rescue operations, environmental monitoring and law enforcement. RBDF Commodore Raymond E. King’s priority has been to increase collaboration between his force and local and regional partners, and drones are easily deployed and can provide crucial intelligence in a variety of scenarios. “Through joint operations and proactive information sharing, these strategic alliances serve as force multipliers, effectively addressing both existing and potential challenges,” the release stated.
The BAHNUS program began in 2020 when the government awarded a $17 million contract to Swift Tactical Systems, a California company, to provide the Bahamas with unmanned surveillance drones to increase maritime domain awareness and stem illegal transport of migrants, narcotics, guns and trafficked human beings through the island nation’s extensive maritime domain.