Airbus has successfully completed a first-of-its-kind forest firefighting trial, demonstrating how connected aircraft, helicopters, drones and ground teams can enable highly accurate water drops and significantly reduce the time between fire detection and suppression.
The trial mobilised extensive resources, including the Airbus H130 FlightLab helicopter, two aircraft — an ATR 72 test platform and a Cirrus SR20 light aircraft — four drones, including an Airbus Aliaca, and three lorries from the Gard Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS 30) to collect and process data. To link the entire system, Airbus deployed a local private mobile network across the area, integrated with Agnet, its mission-critical communication solution for emergency services.
The tests were conducted at the Garrigues military camp in Nîmes, France, based on operational scenarios developed with SDIS and Entente Valabre, a public body mandated by the French Ministry of the Interior to evaluate firefighting equipment and train personnel. The organisation is recognised internationally for its expertise.
During the scenarios, two drones and the light aircraft captured real-time imagery of the fire zone, including infrared data, which was transmitted to Airbus servers and a mobile command centre. The data was analysed, geolocated and combined with additional inputs such as satellite imagery, terrain data, wind conditions measured by drone, and the position of ground crews. AI-enabled processing systems generated a comprehensive tactical picture, enabling optimised flight paths and precise water drop points to be transmitted to both the helicopter — equipped with a precision drop assistance system — and the ATR 72, acting as a simulated water bomber.
Unveiled at the Aerial Firefighting Conference & Exhibition in Rome (24–26 March 2026), the trial marks a significant milestone in Airbus’s development of an integrated ecosystem for combating wildfires.
This ecosystem includes aerial platforms such as the A400M with its firefighting kit, helicopters equipped with water buckets, reconnaissance drones, and newly integrated communication and data-processing solutions designed to enhance coordination between air and ground crews.
Together, these capabilities support both direct and indirect firefighting missions, aligning with Airbus’s commitment to decarbonisation and addressing the growing global threat of wildfires.
