October 28, 2020 – This year, with a donation of ten drones, Tele2 continues to support all the fire brigades who take care of the protection of Croatian natural beauties, property, and the safety of all citizens daily.

As Index.hr reports, over 100,000 firefighters from all over the country took part in just over 20,000 firefighting interventions this year. That is 46 percent more interventions than in 2019. This is shown by the report of the Croatian Fire Brigade, which emphasizes the specifics of this year because, in addition to defense and fire protection, firefighters also help the crisis headquarters in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and in repairing the damage caused by the Zagreb earthquake and numerous floods.

Project ‘DRONacija’

The key contribution to the efficiency of fire brigades is certainly their technical equipment, to which the use of modern technology can significantly contribute. Precisely because they are aware of how much technology contributes to the daily work of fire brigades, Tele2 has been donating drones to fire brigades in Croatia for years as part of its socially responsible project “DRONacija”.

Namely, Tele2 has donated drones for 15 fire brigades throughout Croatia for the past three years. By donating drones to fire brigades of Zabok, Zagreb, Osijek, Rijeka, Hvar, and Orebić, Tele2 helped protect as much as 10 percent of the total area of Croatia.

Drones as an aid for earthquake damage

Assistance to citizens, but also the safety of firefighters themselves are extremely important in all types of emergency interventions, and one of them was during eliminating the consequences of the earthquake that hit Zagreb and its surroundings in March this year, where firefighters recorded over six thousand interventions.

"That morning, March 22, all fire brigades in Zagreb and the surrounding area were on the field in the minutes after the earthquake and then for days, to remove those most critical facilities that threatened the safety of all citizens. Of course, the drones were right next to us because we needed the help of technology in inspecting hard-to-reach and tall objects. Unfortunately, during one such intervention, one of our drones was destroyed. We were extremely happy with the quick reaction of Tele2 because they called immediately and donated a new drone to us," recalled Siniša Jembrih, Commander of the Zagreb Public Fire Brigade. Namely, Tele2 donated a drone to JVP Zagreb in 2018 as part of “DRONacija” project.

"Drones have been very helpful in dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake. They allowed us a quick overview of the damage to the chimneys and roofs of the buildings. This significantly accelerated the interventions of firefighters, but also the rehabilitation of the most critical facilities. In practice, this meant that the drones gave us a view of the roof even before the firefighters climbed to see the situation, and thus the safety of firefighters in the field was greatly improved," said Siniša Jembrih.

Assistance to those who care about our safety

Tele2 points out they are proud that thanks to this project, they have the opportunity to directly help the work of Croatian firefighters, and thus all citizens.

"We are extremely happy to have been partners for many years with those who care about our safety daily. The organization of the public call and the donation of as many as ten drones this year are another step forward in our support for firefighter heroes," said Marijana Grubešić, coordinator of socially responsible business at Tele2.

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As Morski writes on the 21st of May, 2019, the new Orbiter 3 is MORH's new means for the country's Homeland Security system, and will be used for by the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Croatia.

MORH states that their aircraft will be used in early fire detection, in the control of waterways and roads, support in crisis situations, and for support in the control of the country's borders.

The Orbiter 3 drone weighs 30 kilograms, its flight range is 150 km and it can be in the air for as long as seven hours, and when descending, a parachute is released. Its wingspan is 4.4 metres wide and it can cruise at 130 kilometres per hour.

The unmanned aircraft was first introduced to the public during the Paris Air Show back in 2005. It is made entirely of carbon composite and is powered by an electric motor, in addition it is equipped with an optical and an infrared camera, and data link and navigation systems (GPS and INS).

What is also interesting to note is the fact that the Serbian army acquired ten such Orbiters eleven years ago, In addition to Serbia and Israel, these Orbiter drones are used by Azerbaijan, Finland, Ireland, Mexico, Peru, Poland and Uganda.

Although the Orbiter 3 prototype was first introduced back in 2011, there have been improved versions of its two predecessors (in addition to the camera, a laser sight has also been added), MORH did not publicly disclose the characteristics of the camera itself on this particular version. The manufacturer has rather vaguely written that it boasts a "high definition camera", but whether or not that is in reference to 2019's standards, we don't know.

These drones should also control fishing in the Adriatic sea, and a contract worth 4.88 million euros with the Israeli company Aeronautics was signed by the Minister of Agriculture Tomislav Tolušić back in May 2018.

View MORH's new drone footage here:

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Thinking of flying a drone while here?

The state company wants to improve surveillance and forest security by using new technologies.

Drone deliveries look even more likely in Croatia's near future. 

ZAGREB, May 15, 2018 - The Croatian Ministry of Agriculture and the Israeli company Aeronautics on Tuesday signed an agreement valued at 4.87 million euro, 70% of which will be financed from EU funds, for the procurement of drones to monitor fishing activities.

We often forget drones are not toys so before you use one in Croatia, make sure you have necessary permissions