Autonomous AI-powered drone tech detects and reports fires, test launched by five-way partnership

A new AI-powered anti-fire VTOL & APUS 25 drone, developed through a five-way partnership, completed its first test flight on Wednesday. The collaboration involves the National Security Ministry, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Technion, Israel Innovation Authority, and the Fire and Rescue Authority. This initiative aims to address the increasing risk of wildfires due to extreme heat and dry winds, with a record heatwave forecast for Israel. The drone system is designed for real-time fire detection, day and night, using advanced algorithms and AI to transmit immediate alerts to the Fire and Rescue Authority's command center.

• The system, installed on IAI's APUS 25 platform, features vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability, allowing operation from any terrain.
• It utilizes day and night vision imaging with infrared capabilities to detect fire sources through smoke and in darkness.
• The drone operates autonomously after a firefighter defines the scanning area, providing a continuous scan for four to five hours.
• Yaron Shein, Head of Technological R&D at the National Security Ministry, stated, "This project represents a further step in advancing sophisticated technological capabilities for security and emergency response agencies."
• Maj.-Gen. Eyal Caspi, commissioner of the Fire and Rescue Authority, called it "a first strategic step in building an innovative, smart, and advanced firefighting system."