Israeli System Could Have Prevented Deadly Firefighting Helicopter Crash in Greece
Two firefighting helicopters collided during operations west of Athens, Greece, resulting in the deaths of two crew members. The second helicopter immediately released its water load and managed to land safely. The increasing number of wildfires due to the climate crisis and the growing reliance on aerial firefighting heighten risks for aircraft operating in smoke-filled, low-visibility conditions. Multiple firefighting aircraft, including planes, helicopters, and drones, often operate simultaneously over confined areas, complicating pilots' ability to detect nearby aircraft until it is too late.
To address this danger, Israeli company Sikonia, based in Menashe, has developed an airborne collision avoidance system that detects nearby aircraft and guides them to safe flight paths. Founded by former Israeli Air Force combat helicopter pilot Colonel (res.) Moshe Cohen, the team includes experienced pilots and engineers such as Lt. Col. (res.) Gil Yanai and Lt. Col. (res.) Dr. Ilan Zohar. The system, named after the stork bird known for flying in flocks, broadcasts flight data over several kilometers, enabling each aircraft to build a real-time situational awareness map without a central control system. Human pilots receive warnings and emergency maneuver instructions, while drones receive automated flight control commands.
The system was tested on two Black Hawk helicopters by the Israeli Air Force and received positive feedback from pilots. Despite this, nearly 30 years after Israel's 1997 helicopter disaster that killed 73 soldiers, the Air Force has not approved widespread adoption of the technology. Meanwhile, the United States, facing increased wildfire activity, has shown interest in the system, supported by NASA's mandate to improve forest fire management. Sikonia has demonstrated the system in Texas and plans a demonstration next week for firefighters in San Bernardino County, California, with Qualcomm's assistance. This includes a pilot installation on select helicopters, potentially leading to a larger contract.
