Drones to aid security for Confed Cup in Brazil

Brazil's Sao Paulo FC's players and Argentina's Tigre's players scuffle at the end of the first half of the Copa Sudamericana final soccer match in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Drones to aid security for Confed Cup in Brazil

Published: 03:40:58 PM, Fri 22 February 2013 UTC

SAO PAULO (AP) — The Brazilian Air Force will use four Israeli-made drones to help provide security during the Confederations Cup in June.

The air force says the unmanned planes have been acquired to operate in Brazil's borders and will be used extensively during the World Cup warm-up tournament from June 15-30. They are also expected to help provide security during the 2014 World Cup.

Brazil has had two of the RQ-450 drones manufactured by Israel in operation since 2011. The other two will be ready in March.

The new units have a few improvements from the other two, including better infrared cameras and enhanced communication systems. The air force says it has invested nearly $25 million in the aircraft.

Brazil will also have a new radar system in place in the coming months.

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