Russia Uses Drones and AI to Protect Its Forests
Russian regions are rolling out a mix of digital technologies to detect wildfires at an early stage.
Russia’s Orenburg Oblast has significantly strengthened its wildfire response using new technologies. The region has received another batch of drones and expanded its video surveillance network. These digital tools make it possible to detect fires almost instantly, assess their scale, and coordinate firefighting efforts.
From Simulators to Runway Flights
The backbone of the new system is a fleet of quadcopter drones purchased under a national project. Specialists at the regional forest fire protection center have completed full training, from simulator sessions to live flights at an airfield. Using drones allows teams to respond more quickly to outbreaks and coordinate firefighting units more effectively.
At the same time, the region is expanding its Lesokhranitel (Forest Guardian) video monitoring system. The number of cameras continues to grow, with plans to install 25 additional units in 2026. This will enable continuous monitoring of the entire state forest fund in the region.
Drones, Cameras, and Prevention
What sets Orenburg’s approach apart is that it combines multiple technologies that are aerial reconnaissance using unmanned aerial vehicles and data capture through a network of cameras. Traditional preventive outreach with local residents also remains part of the strategy.
The project is a clear example of how widely available technologies, when deployed together, can become a powerful tool in the fight against wildfires, particularly in regions with vast forested areas.
