Israel Aerospace Industries reveals breakthrough technology for fighting fires
The innovative system is installed on a long-endurance tactical drone, combining spectral algorithms and infrared cameras capable of detecting fire hotspots with meter-level accuracy in record time.
The increase in extreme weather events and global warming has led in recent years to a significant rise in the scope and intensity of forest fires. Rapidly spreading fires endanger human lives, communities, infrastructure, and open spaces, posing an increasing challenge for emergency services in early detection, real-time situational awareness, and rapid response, especially in remote or complex-access regions.
Against this backdrop, the Ministry of National Security, the Israel Innovation Authority, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Technion, and the Fire and Rescue Services of Israel have launched a joint project to develop an advanced solution for detecting and locating fires in real-time within minutes of ignition. On Wednesday, the first test flight took place, to be followed by a series of additional tests examining the system's capabilities in various operational scenarios.
As part of the project, a dedicated system was developed and installed on an IAI APUS 25 platform, an advanced tactical drone with Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability. This allows operation from any terrain without the need for a dedicated runway, while providing high-altitude flight and exceptionally long endurance.
The system combines day and night vision cameras with infrared capabilities to detect fire hotspots in the dark and through thick smoke. Using spectral algorithms and artificial intelligence, the system analyzes data in real-time, identifies anomalies, and pinpoints the exact location of the fire from high altitudes, transmitting immediate alerts to the Fire and Rescue Services control center.
This is a breakthrough system capable of covering hundreds of square kilometers with a single drone. It enables detection within minutes and pinpoints the fire's location with accuracy of a few meters, preventing small fires from spiraling out of control.
The APUS 25 drone is powered by an internal combustion engine, allowing for four to five hours of continuous flight. Operated by a firefighter who defines the scanning area on a map, the drone operates autonomously to provide a real-time situational picture for ground forces.
Yaron Shein, Head of Technological R&D at the Ministry of National Security, stated:
"This project is another step in advancing technological capabilities for security and emergency agencies. The combination of drones, artificial intelligence, and advanced data processing will enable earlier detection of fires, improve the operational picture, and shorten response times to protect lives, property, and the natural resources of the State of Israel."
Moshe Levy, Executive VP and General Manager of the Military Aircraft Group at IAI, noted that this unique project leverages the company's expertise in aviation, AI, and autonomous systems to address challenges of national and international importance. Kerem Nevo of the Israel Innovation Authority emphasized that the project demonstrates how testing advanced technology in relevant operational environments creates real value for the public.
Professor Assaf Schuster of the Technion added:
"The Fire Detection system is an example of how scientific depth is translated into a real system that helps save lives. Combining drone hardware with our algorithmic and AI capabilities will allow fire and rescue authorities to make data-driven decisions in real-time."
Rav-Tafsar Eyal Caspi, Commissioner of the Fire and Rescue Services of Israel, concluded:
"The climate crisis requires us to develop future capabilities today. This historic cooperation is a first strategic step in building an innovative, smart, and advanced firefighting system that will strengthen the protection of human lives, communities, and the natural resources of the State of Israel."
