Israeli technology aims to cut aircraft collisions following fatal firefighting incident near Athens

Flight paths are exchanged among helicopters, planes and drones to supply immediate alerts and directions without any central air traffic hub.

Ciconia team during a test with an IDF representative, 2020

(photo credit: Adir Haruvi)

ByUDI ETZION

AUGUST 4, 2026 09:09

The loss of two crew members in a firefighting helicopter collision in Greece on Sunday has highlighted rising dangers in aerial firefighting work, as an Israeli collision avoidance system moves to lower those hazards.

The deadly crash took place west of Athens when one firefighting helicopter struck another during operations. The second aircraft dropped its water load at once and its crew landed without further harm.

Rising wildfire activity tied to climate shifts, along with heavier use of aircraft to battle the blazes, has raised the stakes for crews in these missions.

Firefighting planes, helicopters and drones often share the same airspace over wildfire areas. Drones help ground teams track fire movement, guide water drops and spot new risks to firefighters. Smoke and limited visibility can leave pilots unaware of nearby aircraft until the final moments.

Air forces worldwide know this hazard well after suffering their own helicopter collision losses. Israel experienced its worst case in the 1997 disaster that claimed 73 soldiers.

Ciconia, named after the stork that travels in groups, has created a decentralized avoidance system meant to cut the chance of such events.

Each aircraft sends its position and intended path across several kilometers so every equipped aircraft can form its own live view of surrounding traffic without any central controller.

Ciconia built a tool to limit drone and helicopter incidents

Piloted aircraft receive collision alerts and, if needed, instant directions for avoidance turns. Drones receive commands sent straight to their flight computers.

The Israeli Air Force has already tested the system on two Black Hawk helicopters and pilots gave favorable reviews.

Almost three decades after the 1997 tragedy, the Israeli Air Force has not yet moved to buy the system in volume, even though supporters say it might have changed that outcome.

The firm is also part of a US effort to strengthen aerial wildfire response as officials face more frequent large fires linked to climate change.

Ciconia has shown the system in Texas and will run another demonstration next week for fire crews in California's San Bernardino County.

The trials are supported by Qualcomm and will place the system on several helicopters for evaluation, a step that may lead to broader orders.