At the very least, I've never heard of a C-172 with 12 hours edurance,
nor capable of employing the sensors and equipment callled for in
this instance.

This may be true, but a C-172 would not need 12 hours endurance to
accomplish the same =objective= (although it would, by definition, need
it to accomplish the same =mission=. Subtle but important difference,
which also bears on the equipment. I don't know the details of the
sensors, but some of them may be unnecessary in a C-172.

So surveilling the border to enforce existing border control laws
are a violation of PRIVACY now?

It could be, depending on how it's done.

Cost is only an advantage if the lower priced alternative can
actually meet the requirement.

.... and the "requirement" can be tailored to meet the cost.

Don't confuse motion with action.
Don't confuse action with results.
Don't confuse "results" with what you wanted in the first place.

Jose
--
Money: what you need when you run out of brains.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.