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

A five-way partnership launched the first test flight of an AI-powered anti-fire VTOL drone on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The drone, based on IAI's APUS 25 platform, detects and reports fires in real time using AI and infrared imaging. The project involves the National Security Ministry, IAI, the Technion, the Israel Innovation Authority, and the Fire and Rescue Authority. The test comes amid forecasts of a record heatwave reaching 47°C in the Galilee.

The first test flight of a new AI-powered, anti-fire VTOL drone was launched on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, amid growing extreme heat and fire concerns. The drone was developed by a joint project of five organizations: the National Security Ministry, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Technion, the Israel Innovation Authority, and the Fire and Rescue Authority. The test flight was designed to evaluate the system's capabilities in various operational scenarios and changing field conditions. The project enables real-time detection and pinpointing of fire outbreaks, both day and night, using advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence, while transmitting alerts to the Fire and Rescue Authority's command center. This comes as the Israel Meteorological Service forecast a record high heatwave and strong, dry winds for the weekend, peaking at 47°C in the Galilee region and posing a high risk for wildfires. The drone, based on IAI's APUS 25 platform, features VTOL capability, day and night vision with infrared, and spectral algorithms for image analysis. It operates autonomously for four to five hours after a firefighter defines the scanning area. Officials Yaron Shein and Maj.-Gen. Eyal Caspi highlighted the collaboration's importance for early detection and rapid response.