Russia Tests a New Firefighting Drone for High-Rise Operations
The Battery-Powered UAV Can Extinguish Fires at 100 Meters Without Ground Support
In Yekaterinburg, Russia has successfully tested a new firefighting drone capable of operating at heights of up to 100 meters — a major step toward autonomous aerial firefighting systems. The device is designed to tackle fires in hard-to-reach areas and on upper floors of buildings, where traditional firefighting equipment such as ladders and trucks cannot be used.
Unlike existing models powered through heavy 30 kW ground generators and cables, the new drone runs entirely on batteries, giving it greater mobility and operational independence. Developers describe it as a breakthrough in creating fully autonomous fire-response technology.
The Future of Firefighting Is in the Air
According to Egor Bukhryakov, head of the firefighting service at the Emergency Ministry’s Sverdlovsk Region division, the drone can reach high altitudes without the need for aerial ladders or special vehicles. It can maneuver around obstacles, operate in confined areas, and deliver up to 100 kilograms of water or fire suppressant. Each flight lasts about nine minutes.
Officials from the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) say that integrating drones like this into fire operations will increase crew safety and speed up emergency response times. Experts believe unmanned aerial systems will become one of the key directions in the evolution of firefighting, offering safer and more efficient tools for saving lives and infrastructure.
