Return of the blimp

The U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION (CBP) has recently deployed both large and smaller tethered aerostat surveillance blimps over South Texas. The larger units are part of the long-standing Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS), capable of hovering around 10,000 feet with radar coverage spanning hundreds of miles, providing persistent monitoring over the border. In addition, mobile Tactical Aerostat Systems (TAS) are being used; these smaller blimps are equipped with infrared and high‑resolution cameras and can be moved to specific hotspots along the border.

These systems offer complementary capabilities: the TARS balloons provide wide-area detection of aircraft and ground movement via radar, while the TAS platforms deliver real‑time visual intelligence from moving or ground‑based threats. Together, they enhance Border Patrol’s situational awareness and help agents respond swiftly. CBP views them as “eyes in the sky,” extending surveillance reach far beyond what drones or ground sensors can achieve. Eight of the TARS blimps currently watch over the southern U.S. border from Yuma, Arizona, to Lajas, Puerto Rico. 

The CBP aerostat program began over 30 years ago when tethered aerostats were used to counter the rising number of low-flying small aircraft operated by drug smugglers. TARS is the only persistent wide-area air, maritime and land surveillance system specifically designed for CBP's border security mission. Despite their effectiveness, unmanned aircraft systems are not designed for the same mission.

TARS contributes directly to the international border security partnership between the CBP and Mexico.  All air routes, clandestine airfields and support infrastructure identified by TARS are provided to Mexican authorities for investigation, increasing U.S. intelligence and ability to disrupt transnational criminals on the border and to coordinate joint law enforcement efforts with the government of Mexico.