This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/business/5368266.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Boeing secures US border contract Boeing secures US border contract
(about 8 hours later)
Boeing has won a US government contract to develop security equipment for monitoring the 7,500 miles of borders the US has with Mexico and Canada.Boeing has won a US government contract to develop security equipment for monitoring the 7,500 miles of borders the US has with Mexico and Canada.
Sensors and cameras are among the equipment to be developed by the firm to detect illegal entry into the US.Sensors and cameras are among the equipment to be developed by the firm to detect illegal entry into the US.
Industry experts estimate the three-year Department of Homeland Security contract is worth $2.1bn (£1.1bn) to Boeing.Industry experts estimate the three-year Department of Homeland Security contract is worth $2.1bn (£1.1bn) to Boeing.
Boeing's tender includes plans for 300 radar towers along the borders.Boeing's tender includes plans for 300 radar towers along the borders.
The first part of the contract to be announced is a $67m deal to cover just 28 miles along the Mexican border with Arizona.
Key issueKey issue
America has been spending vast sums on securing its borders since the 11 September attacks five years ago.America has been spending vast sums on securing its borders since the 11 September attacks five years ago.
More than one million people illegally enter the US each year - primarily from Mexico - and reducing this number has become a key political issue.More than one million people illegally enter the US each year - primarily from Mexico - and reducing this number has become a key political issue.
Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff said that the department was looking to build "a 21st century virtual fence".
The Boeing project involves partnerships with companies including Unisys.The Boeing project involves partnerships with companies including Unisys.
It will include tracking sensors and communications equipment allowing border patrol staff to keep a closer watch on the borders.It will include tracking sensors and communications equipment allowing border patrol staff to keep a closer watch on the borders.
The system will work together with cameras, developed by an Israeli company, which can spot people from 14 kilometres away.The system will work together with cameras, developed by an Israeli company, which can spot people from 14 kilometres away.