As climate-driven disasters grow in scale and complexity, emergency response systems are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence and connected technologies to enhance coordination, speed, and decision-making. At the forefront of this transformation is Airbus, which is integrating data from aircraft, drones, satellites, and ground teams into a unified, real-time operational picture to support high-risk missions such as wildfire management.

In this interview with AI Spectrum, Olivier Chalvet, Senior Manager for Firefighting Solutions at Airbus Defence & Space, shares insights into how AI-powered analytics, private mobile networks, and platforms like Agnet are enabling seamless communication and faster, more informed responses in challenging environments. From improving water drop accuracy to building scalable, digitally connected ecosystems for disaster response, the discussion highlights how intelligent systems are reshaping emergency operations and strengthening resilience in the face of evolving global threats.

How is Airbus leveraging AI to integrate data from aircraft, drones, and ground teams into a unified, real-time operational picture?

Airbus and its partner companies combine terrain analysis with real-time local weather measurements and wildfire location to update the Common Operational Picture that will guide first responders and firefighters.

AI and algorithms are used to speed up the processing of this data to quickly provide actionable information to the teams in charge of coordinating operations.

Could you elaborate on the role of the private mobile network and the Agnet platform in enabling coordination across multiple assets in high-risk environments?

Agnet's connectivity guarantees the exchange of critical information by gathering massive data and disseminating situations and instructions to the different stakeholders on the ground and in the air. All involved assets, such as aircraft, helicopters or drones, are geolocated, and their respective positions are shared to increase safety and improve response efficiency.

This is an essential capability in environments where broadband communications are naturally limited or denied when terrestrial communication relays are damaged by the wildfire.

How do AI-powered systems enhance water drop accuracy and decision-making speed compared to traditional methods?

Firefighting strategy needs to be adjusted to handle the quickly changing evolution of a wildfire.

The connected system gathers data from remote sensors to build the Common Operational Picture. AI is used to process this data very quickly to make it actionable for Command and Control, in other words, mission coordination. For instance, AI can process infrared imagery video flow to support identifying fire hotspots, enabling faster decision-making for water dropping.

What data inputs, such as infrared imaging or satellite data, are most critical, and how are they processed into actionable insights?

In fire-prone areas, satellite imagery is used to assess topography and map the different types of vegetation on a large scale using automated image processing. These activities are essential for building risk maps and prevention plans.

Infrared images of wildfires, captured from drones or crewed aircraft, are used to locate wildfire hotspots, identify fire spotting or determine the rate of spread, even through dense smoke. They are processed and integrated as symbols to update the tactical situation map. Data on wind speed and direction measured by local sensors can help anticipate wildfire evolution using fire progression models.

Following this trial, what are the next steps for scaling and deploying this firefighting ecosystem globally?

This specific trial focuses on water drop efficiency. We will continue to experiment with technologies for other operational scenarios under preparation.

Meanwhile, we will continue to engage with emergency response teams to build their own operational ecosystem based on the platforms they typically use, with technology bricks from Airbus and partner companies.

How do you see AI and connected systems transforming emergency response operations beyond wildfire management in the coming years?

Our current approach focuses on wildfire management, and the concept of operations used to respond to this disaster is very specific.

Technology components like connected systems and AI tremendously improve interoperability and coordination, enabling fast decision-making.

Digitalising disaster relief operations will improve the resilience of our communities facing hazards exacerbated by climate change.