ATHENS — In May 2026, Greece integrated a dedicated satellite array into its national firefighting system. Four satellites, built by the German company OroraTech, were launched into low orbit during the same month.

The satellites are equipped with thermal sensors capable of detecting fires as small as four meters wide. Artificial intelligence (AI) processes the satellite data and transmits alerts to commanders, providing information on the location, size, and intensity of fires. AI models also work to filter out false alarms that could be triggered by solar panels, hot factory roofs, or sunbaked rock faces.

Zisoula Ntasiou, a Fire Service Colonel and vice president of the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services, explained how the system prioritizes threats. "For example, if you have 10 fires all over Greece and the fire radiative power is lower in some cases, you will not give priority to those ignitions; you will give priority to other ones."

Greece is also developing a broader observation network in collaboration with three European companies. This network will combine thermal, radar, and optical satellites. Additional satellite deployments are planned by the end of 2026. The full observation network carries a total price tag of 200 million euros and is funded by the European Union.

Why It Matters

This initiative follows two wildfire seasons in Greece. In 2024, Greece experienced its hottest summer on record, and 2025 marked its third-hottest summer on record. Earlier, in 2018, a wildfire east of Athens resulted in more than 100 fatalities. Additionally, a wildfire in a remote nature reserve in Greece during 2023 was the largest ever recorded in the European Union.

Ioannis Lantouris, head of OroraTech's Greek operations, noted the changing nature of fires. "The global temperature is going up. That causes fires to change in intensity and ferocity." He added that response models require adjustment, stating, "Our models have to change and adjust to that. They have to be faster. They have to be more precise." Greece has expanded its use of drones and ground sensors for wildfire detection since 2018.