Greece Bolsters Wildfire Defense with Doubled Drone Fleet in 2025

Greece is intensifying its Wildfire response by nearly doubling its drone fleet and deploying a record 18,000 Firefighters this summer, as reported by The Independent. With climate change driving more frequent and severe wildfires, the country is leveraging advanced Drone Technology to enhance surveillance and coordination, a move that could set a precedent for other nations facing similar challenges.

Drone Fleet Expansion to Combat Rising Wildfire Threats

The Greek government is scaling up its wildfire defense strategy, increasing its fleet of fire-surveillance drones from 45 to 82, according to The Independent. This expansion aims to improve early detection and real-time monitoring across high-risk areas during the fire season, which runs from May 1 to October 31. Civil Protection Minister Ioannis Kefalogiannis emphasized the urgency, stating, “It is clear that the conditions this year will be particularly difficult,” during a firefighting exercise south of Athens. The drones will play a critical role in identifying fire outbreaks swiftly, allowing ground teams to respond faster and more effectively.

The wildfire damage in Greece has surged significantly, with 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) burned in 2023—roughly three times the 2011–2020 average of 452 square kilometers (175 square miles), per the European Union’s Forest Fire Information System. Drones equipped with thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras can cover vast areas, providing commanders with live feeds to coordinate low-altitude water drops by fire planes, which release plumes over treetops.

Technological Integration in Firefighting Operations

Beyond the drone fleet, Greece’s firefighting exercise showcased a multi-layered approach. Fire planes conducted low-altitude drops while ground teams used tablets to stream real-time drone footage, enabling precise coordination. The coast guard and armed forces also participated, simulating the evacuation of a children’s summer camp threatened by fires on multiple fronts. This integration of drones with mobile command centers highlights a shift toward technology-driven firefighting, improving operational efficiency and safety for personnel.