As extreme weather events and the effects of global warming continue to drive an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, the Israeli Ministry of National Security, the Israel Innovation Authority, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Technion, and the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority have launched a joint project to develop an advanced solution for detecting and locating fires in real time within minutes of ignition. The system completed its first flight test, marking the beginning of a series of additional trials designed to evaluate its capabilities across a range of operational scenarios and changing field conditions, enabling emergency organizations to respond more quickly and effectively to fires, particularly in vast, remote areas.
As part of the project, a dedicated system was developed and integrated onto IAI’s APUS 25 platform, an advanced tactical VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) drone capable of operating from virtually any location without the need for a dedicated runway, flying at high altitudes, and remaining airborne for extended periods.
The system combines day and night-vision cameras with infrared capabilities that enable the detection of fire hotspots even in darkness and allow it to penetrate dense smoke. It uses spectral image-processing algorithms and artificial intelligence to analyze information in real time, detect anomalies, identify fire outbreaks, and extract the precise location of a fire from high altitudes, while immediately transmitting alerts to the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority’s command and control center.
The system represents a breakthrough thanks to its ability to cover hundreds of square kilometers with a single drone, detect fires within just a few minutes of ignition, and determine the fire’s location with meter-level accuracy from its earliest stages – before it develops into a large-scale wildfire that could become uncontrollable.
The solution is based on the APUS 25 drone, developed for long-endurance missions and capable of remaining airborne continuously for extended periods, even under challenging terrain and weather conditions. The platform is optimized for long-range persistent surveillance missions while carrying a dedicated payload. Powered by an internal combustion engine rather than electric motors or batteries, the APUS 25 achieves significantly extended flight endurance.
The drone will be operated by a firefighter, who will define the search area by marking a polygon on a digital map. Following takeoff, the drone will operate autonomously, position itself at the optimal observation point, and continuously scan the designated area for four to five hours, providing emergency responders with a real-time operational picture to support decision-making, incident management, and the efficient deployment of firefighting resources.
Yaron Schone , head of R&D technology department in the Israeli ministry for National Security said that the
project represents another step forward in advancing innovative technological capabilities for Israel’s security and emergency organizations. The combination of drones, artificial intelligence, and advanced data-processing capabilities has the potential to enable earlier fire detection, improve operational situational awareness, and shorten response times in the field.
”The collaboration between all participating organizations reflects the importance we place on connecting operational needs with Israeli innovation to develop solutions that help protect lives, property, and Israel’s natural resources.”
Moshe Levy, EVP and GM of IAI’s aircraft group, said that for many years, IAI has been developing advanced technological solutions for complex challenges across both defense and civilian domains. This unique project demonstrates our ability to leverage our expertise, operational experience, and capabilities in aviation, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems to address an issue of both national and global importance.
”Collaborations of this kind enable us to transform advanced technology into operational capabilities that deliver real value in the field.”