Erdogan showcases drone technology in Türkiye’s fight against wildfires

Türkiye has emerged as a global leader in forest fire prevention, leveraging cutting-edge drone technology to safeguard its natural resources. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan unveiled this groundbreaking initiative following a cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on Tuesday.

“We currently monitor our green homeland 24/7 with 14 Bayraktar TB2 UAVs,” Erdogan announced, highlighting Türkiye’s innovative approach to forest protection. He added, “We are one of only two countries in the world using UAVs to combat forest fires.”

Türkiye’s forest fire response capabilities have seen a significant boost, with Erdogan detailing the expansive fleet now at the country’s disposal. “Today, we continue this fight with 26 aircraft, 105 helicopters, and more than 5,000 ground vehicles,” he stated. This substantial increase in resources underscores the government’s commitment to environmental preservation.

The president elaborated on the comprehensive infrastructure supporting these efforts. “We continuously monitor our forests with 776 towers, 184 of which are smart,” Erdogan explained. He further noted, “We quickly meet the water needs of our vehicles with 4,744 pools and ponds built for the first time during our period.”

Addressing the human factor in forest fires, Erdogan emphasized the need for vigilance. “When we look at these disasters, we see that negligence, recklessness, and intent come to the fore,” he said, pointing out that 90% of forest fires are human-caused. The president called for increased public awareness and caution, especially as Türkiye enters a period of intense summer heat.

Erdogan also took the opportunity to discuss recent cabinet changes and the government’s support for the agricultural sector. “In the last 21 years, we have provided 1 trillion 364 billion liras in agricultural support in real terms,” he revealed, demonstrating the administration’s long-term commitment to farmers. For the current year, he added, “We have made 56 billion liras in support payments so far in 2024. By the end of the year, this figure will reach 91.5 billion liras.”

As Türkiye faces increasing environmental challenges, including hotter and drier summers, these technological and infrastructural investments represent a significant step in protecting the country’s forests. The integration of drone technology, coupled with extensive ground-based resources, positions Türkiye at the forefront of global efforts in forest fire prevention and management.