Airbus has completed a large-scale trial in southern France combining aircraft, helicopters, drones and ground crews through a shared digital network aimed at improving wildfire response.
The exercise took place near Nîmes and involved multiple assets, including an H130 FlightLab helicopter, an ATR 72 test aircraft, a Cirrus SR20 and four drones. Ground teams from the local fire and rescue service also took part, supported by mobile command units.
During the trial, drones and a light aircraft collected visual and infrared imagery of a simulated fire zone and transmitted the data in real time to a command center on the ground. The information was processed and combined with other inputs such as satellite imagery, terrain data, wind conditions and the position of firefighters.
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Airbus said the system uses data processing tools, including artificial intelligence, to generate a consolidated operational picture and calculate optimized flight paths and water drop points. These instructions were then transmitted to the helicopter and the ATR 72, which simulated water bombing operations.
To connect the different assets, Airbus deployed a local private mobile network linked to its Agnet communication platform, designed for emergency and security services.
The trial was conducted with input from French firefighting organizations, including the SDIS and Entente Valabre, which helped define operational scenarios.
Airbus said the exercise is part of ongoing work to integrate aerial firefighting assets such as transport aircraft, helicopters and drones with digital coordination systems, with the aim of reducing response times and improving the effectiveness of firefighting missions.
