South Australia’s emergency response is getting a boost with nine new drones added to the State Emergency Service (SES) fleet. The drones replace older models and are part of a $2 million program to modernise aerial reconnaissance, hazard assessment, and intelligence capabilities.
The SES now operates one of the largest emergency service drone fleets in the state. The drones provide real-time aerial views, thermal imaging to locate people in low visibility, and access to dangerous areas without putting responders at risk.
The new drones feature longer flight times, rapid charging, high-resolution cameras, infrared thermal sensors, integrated spotlights and loudspeakers. They also include AI recognition for people, vehicles, and boats, and smart mapping for tracking and situational awareness.
Six of the drones will be based in regional locations including Port Lincoln, Quorn, Ceduna, Port Pirie, Gawler, and Kangaroo Island. Three drones will be located in Adelaide.
SES drones were deployed over 500 times in 2025, mostly assisting in missing person searches. Time-critical aerial intelligence helps responders act quickly and save lives.
The SES will also trial ten microdrones across six regional and four metropolitan units in 2026. The microdrones weigh less than 250 grams and can be deployed directly from response vehicles. Training for pilots on the microdrones will start in February. Trial locations include Kimba, Clare, Copper Coast, Western Adelaide, Salisbury, Campbelltown, Noarlunga, Kingston, Berri, and Kapunda.
Drone technology is now an integral part of SES operations. New units improve flight times, imaging, and safety while reducing repair costs. The SES continues to train pilots to expand its aerial capabilities and strengthen emergency response across the state.