Greece increases aerial surveillance capacity with €6 million donation

The Athens – Macedonian News Agency has reported that Greece’s Civil Protection service will operate 80 drones during the 2025 wildfire season, nearly doubling the 47 units deployed last year.

The increase follows a €6 million donation from the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO) to the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

According to the Ministry, the drones will be used for aerial surveillance of periurban forest areas to support early warning, prevention, and operational needs during the summer fire season.

Advanced UAV systems to provide continuous monitoring

The surveillance drones will be equipped with real-time data transmission and artificial intelligence tools.

These tools will assist with fire detection, incident recognition, and continuous area monitoring.

Each drone will be supported by an operational management centre to ensure 24-hour monitoring across targeted areas.

The Ministry stated the system will support fire response coordination, mapping, damage assessments, and search-and-rescue operations.

Fire Department to reach 18,000 personnel in 2025

Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis said the Fire Brigade will be staffed by 18,000 people in 2025, including seasonal workers and volunteers.

He stated: “Together with the thousands of volunteers from both the Fire Department and voluntary organisations, by utilising the aerial means that we will have… we are proceeding with the best possible planning in view of this summer.”

He also referenced support from the national fleet, rented aerial assets, and the Aegis programme to increase vehicle availability.

Inter-ministerial cooperation aims to safeguard forest areas and infrastructure

Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou said the initiative would enhance protection for both people and infrastructure.

Papastavrou said: “The fire-protection of our forests, our natural wealth, inhabited areas and above all human life, is a non-negotiable priority.”

He added that the climate crisis requires a state of ongoing readiness and that upgraded prevention tools are essential to protecting the environment and local communities.

HEDNO President Anastasios Manos said: “With this donation, we seal the excellent cooperation that we have had so far with both ministries… to protect our citizens, to protect our infrastructure, to protect our country.”

Greece to operate 80 surveillance drones during 2025 wildfire season: Summary

Greece will operate 80 drones for fire detection and prevention during the 2025 fire season.

This represents an increase from 47 drones used in 2024.

The expansion follows a €6 million donation from the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO) to the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

The drones will provide 24-hour surveillance across selected periurban forest areas.

They will support early fire detection, data analysis, and ground response coordination.

The system includes both UAVs and operational management centres.

Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis said the Fire Department workforce will reach 18,000 people, including seasonal staff and volunteers.

Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou said the initiative prioritises protection of people, forests, and infrastructure.

HEDNO President Anastasios Manos confirmed continued cooperation with the ministries.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Athens.