Airbus has taken a significant step forward in modernising aerial firefighting, successfully completing a first-of-its-kind trial that integrates aircraft, drones, helicopters and ground teams into a single connected operational ecosystem.
The demonstration, carried out at the Garrigues military camp near Nîmes in southern France, showcased how real-time data processing and communication systems can improve both the speed and precision of firefighting operations.
The trial mobilised a wide range of assets, including an Airbus H130 FlightLab helicopter, an ATR 72 test aircraft, a Cirrus SR20 light aircraft, four drones — including an Airbus Aliaca — and three fire service trucks from the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service of Le Gard (SDIS 30).
To connect all elements, Airbus deployed a private mobile network bubble linked to Agnet, its mission-critical communication solution designed for emergency and security services.
During the exercise, drones and the light aircraft captured real-time imagery of simulated fire zones, including infrared data. This information was transmitted to Airbus servers and processed through a command centre installed in a ground vehicle.
The system merged multiple data layers — including satellite imagery, terrain analysis, wind conditions measured by drones, and the position of ground firefighters — to generate a fully integrated operational picture.
Artificial intelligence then processed the data to determine optimal flight paths and water drop points. These were transmitted directly to both the helicopter, equipped with a precision drop assistance system, and the ATR 72, which simulated a water bomber aircraft.
The scenarios used during the trial were developed in collaboration with SDIS and Entente Valabre, a French public body recognised internationally for evaluating firefighting systems and training personnel.
The project was unveiled during the Aerial Firefighting Conference & Exhibition held in Rome from 24 to 26 March 2026 and marks a major milestone in Airbus’ broader ambition to develop a fully integrated firefighting ecosystem.
This ecosystem includes aircraft such as the A400M equipped with firefighting kits, helicopters with water buckets, reconnaissance drones and, increasingly, advanced communication and data processing systems designed to enhance coordination between ground and air operations.
Airbus said these technologies are intended to support both direct and indirect firefighting missions while contributing to broader goals around decarbonisation and addressing the growing global threat posed by wildfires.
