News summary produced by Claude AI
Greece has deployed its first satellites equipped with thermal imaging technology to enhance forest fire prediction and response capabilities. Operated by the Hellenic Space Center in Athens, four compact satellites orbiting at 550 kilometers altitude can monitor ground temperature and humidity to forecast potential fire locations within hours. The satellites can also penetrate smoke to identify hot spots during active fires, assisting in directing aerial water-bombing operations and providing real-time intelligence on fire fronts during nighttime operations.
The thermal imaging satellites form part of a comprehensive technological upgrade by Greece’s fire service to address an escalating wildfire challenge. The country experiences approximately 10,000 forest and field fires annually, with major incidents in previous years causing widespread devastation. A 2021 fire in an Athens suburb required extensive resources, while simultaneous fires in 2023 destroyed tens of thousands of hectares across Western Thrace and East Macedonia. Traditional fire detection methods relying on ground patrols and lookout posts proved insufficient for rapid response across the country’s 132,000 square kilometers.
The satellite program complements Greece’s expanding drone operations, which have grown from 40 units in 2022 to 105 currently. Operating continuously, drones provide live video feeds and thermal imaging to regional and national crisis management centers. The combination of satellite and drone surveillance has also strengthened enforcement efforts against arson, with arrests in the fire service’s forensic investigations doubling following drone deployment, reaching 423 and 430 in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
Greece is planning to launch seven additional multi-spectral satellites this year that can observe vegetation vitality, water stress, and forest health indicators. Officials characterize the technological evolution as a shift from reactive firefighting to proactive prevention and early warning systems. The satellites’ ability to map vegetation and terrain also enables commanders to coordinate resource deployment more effectively during active fire operations.