Changi Airport Group (CAG) and ST Electronics’ wholly owned subsidiary, ST Electronics (Satcom & Sensor Systems) Pte Ltd, announced a collaboration to implement a Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) based on Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor1 for Changi Airport’s perimeter fence to further strengthen security of the airfield. This is the first time that such technology is being used for perimeter security enhancement anywhere in the world.

The proprietary AgilFence PIDS with intelligent signal processing is developed by ST Electronics based on fibre sensor technology licensed from its research partner, the A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research. AgilFence PIDS is specially customised for Changi Airport to meet its operational requirements.

Changi Airport’s perimeter is presently covered by a double-layered fence, and round-the-clock patrolling is carried out by security teams. The implementation of AgilFence PIDS will result in better detection of perimeter intrusions, more accurate determination of the incident location and a faster response time by the security team.

CAG’s collaboration with ST Electronics is the result of a consultancy study undertaken by CAG in 2010 to enhance the security of Changi Airport’s perimeter. Detailed market research and technical analysis of various perimeter intrusion detection solutions available in the market were carried out. AgilFence PIDS, which embeds FBG sensors in optical fibre to pin-point the intrusion location, was deemed most suitable.

Unlike non-fibre sensor technologies, the performance of AgilFence PIDS is not affected by factors in Changi Airport’s operating environment, such as the presence of electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. Also, AgilFence PIDS, with its high pinpointing accuracy, allows optimal deployment of CCTVs around the perimeter fence. The unique signal processing algorithm in AgilFence PIDS allows FBG sensors at specific areas to be customised to achieve a higher probability of detection while reducing the possibility of false alarms triggered by weather elements and wildlife along the perimeter.

Mr Foo Sek Min, Executive Vice President, Airport Management, Changi Airport Group said, “We are pleased to have ST Electronics partner CAG in this effort to enhance the security of the Changi Airport airfield. At Changi, we take safety and security seriously and are committed to maintaining the highest standards. The implementation of AgilFence PIDS complements the security measures we already have in place to protect the airport perimeter.

We are proud to support innovation by Singapore-based organisations and be the first to use this groundbreaking technology.”

“ST Electronics is delighted to work with Changi Airport Group to implement this first-of-its-kind, made-in-Singapore product to strengthen Changi Airport’s security capabilities. This system will enhance security and complement existing systems to provide round-the-clock protection and safety for the airport. Globally, there is a growing demand for such a solution to protect high value assets against intrusions and attacks. We are therefore confident that the collaboration with CAG will prove beneficial to both parties. Hence, we are particularly positive as we plan the launch of this product into overseas markets,” said Mr Lee Fook Sun, President, ST Electronics.

Work on the implementation of AgilFence PIDS at Changi Airport will commence immediately. It will be rolled out in stages along the airport’s perimeter and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2012. As part of the partnership, CAG and ST Electronics will also work together to promote AgilFence PIDS on a commercial basis to other airport operators and installations with long fence lines looking for solutions to enhance perimeter security at their premises.