Israeli Drone and AI System Detects Wildfires Quickly Over Vast Areas
A new Israeli project combining tactical drones and artificial intelligence enables rapid detection of small wildfire outbreaks within minutes across hundreds of square kilometers, even in darkness and heavy smoke. The first successful test flight of this system took place on Wednesday, marking the start of further trials to evaluate its performance in various operational scenarios and terrains.
This initiative is a collaboration between the National Security Council, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Innovation Authority, Technion, and the Fire and Rescue Services. The technology platform uses the APUS 25 tactical drone, developed by IAI, which features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities allowing deployment from any location without a runway. Equipped with day and night cameras and infrared sensors, the drone detects heat sources through dense smoke.
Data captured is processed mid-flight using spectral algorithms and AI systems that identify anomalies and pinpoint fire locations with meter-level accuracy over hundreds of square kilometers. The system automatically alerts fire control centers. Powered by an internal combustion engine rather than batteries or electric motors, the drone can remain airborne for four to five continuous hours. Firefighters operate the drone by marking target areas on a map, after which it autonomously conducts scanning missions.
Yaron Shein, head of technological R&D at the National Security Council, emphasized the project’s role in advancing technological capabilities for security and emergency services, highlighting the potential for earlier fire detection, improved situational awareness, and faster response times. Moshe Levi, head of military aircraft division at IAI, noted the company’s long-standing commitment to developing advanced solutions for complex security and civilian challenges, stressing the value of integrating aviation, AI, and autonomous systems expertise to address a critical national and international issue.
Karem Nevo, deputy head of the Innovation Authority’s growth division, described the project as an excellent example of how combining drones, AI, and field-operable technology creates tangible public value by addressing urgent operational challenges.
