The Spanish technology center TECNALIA has unveiled a large electric drone designed to combat forest and wildfires. The aircraft is being developed as part of the EXTINCIA project, which aims to use drones and artificial intelligence to detect and extinguish fires more rapidly.
The new system's key feature is its high payload capacity. The drone is capable of carrying and releasing up to 600 kg of water. Moreover, the water can be discharged either vertically downwards or horizontally, which should expand the aircraft's operational capabilities when working near buildings, populated areas, and other infrastructure.
The drone is designed to operate near the seat of the fire.
Unlike small drones typically used for surveillance and locating fire hotspots, EXTINCIA is being developed as a direct firefighting platform.
For the project, TECNALIA developed the unmanned vehicle itself, the flight control systems, and the auxiliary systems. A full-scale functional prototype was also created and subjected to live-fire testing in the laboratory.
The system incorporates specialized water delivery equipment, including a fire monitor or nozzle. This enables the developers to use the unit not only for dropping water from above but also for targeting the seat of the fire with greater precision.
Artificial intelligence will assist in firefighting operations.
EXTINCIA involves the use of artificial intelligence and onboard computing for real-time decision-making.
The project’s objective goes beyond merely delivering water. The drones are intended to facilitate a faster response to emerging fires and create conditions to prevent their spread; specifically, the project includes systems for creating firebreaks.
Another key area is the safety of joint operations involving drones and conventional aircraft. To this end, EXTINCIA incorporates an air traffic management system designed to ensure the safe interaction of manned and unmanned aircraft during firefighting operations.
Who developed the project?
The EXTINCIA project is led by the Spanish company CLUE Technologies. In addition to TECNALIA, participants include Aeromedia, Bastan, Drone Hopper, Helion, and Telespazio. CATEC and ITG provide technological support, while the project is funded by the Spanish CDTI.
For now, this is not a mass-produced firefighting drone.
It is important to note that EXTINCIA should currently be viewed as a technology project and development, rather than a mass-produced drone that has already entered service with European fire departments.
TECNALIA reports the development and testing of a full-scale prototype, including tests involving real fire, but the press release does not announce the start of serial production or widespread deployment of the device by fire services.
If the technology moves to practical application, such drones could prove particularly useful during the early stages of forest fires, when it is necessary to rapidly deliver a large volume of water to the fire's source without exposing the crew of a firefighting aircraft or helicopter to additional risk.
Model/Project: EXTINCIA
Developer: TECNALIA and partners
Country: Spain 🇪🇸
Payload: up to 600 kg of water
Purpose: extinguishing forest and wildfires
Status: full-scale prototype that has undergone testing
Press release date: July 20, 2026
Source: tecnalia.com
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