Drone-in-a-Box solution for faster operational readiness
Frankfurt, June 17, 2025 – With the support of Droniq GmbH, the Kiel Fire Department is paving the way for even faster deployment of drones when needed. To this end, it will use a drone-in-a-box solution – a system in which the drone is ready for use around the clock and flies automatically to the scene of the incident at the push of a button. The system will be used for the first time at the Kiel Week, which takes place from June 21 to 29.
Possible applications for the new drone system include detecting overload situations on event areas, searching for missing persons on land and at sea, assessing the overall situation, or exploring potential fire sources.
When an incident is received at the Integrated Regional Control Center Central (IRLS) of the Kiel Fire Department, the incident location is transferred to the control software of the drone-in-a-box system , either automatically or manually by a fire department employee. At the push of a button, the drone garage opens, where the drone is kept ready for use, and the device flies autonomously to the scene. An on-site pilot is no longer necessary. Instead, a fire department employee acts as a remote pilot, monitoring the entire flight on a PC in the IRLS and can intervene at any time.
Using the TraX live air situational awareness provided by Droniq as a web application, the remote pilot not only keeps an eye on his own drone, but also on the surrounding manned and unmanned aircraft. Furthermore, he can take control of the drone on-site, align it as needed, and provide the situational awareness to the emergency services. Once the drone has completed its mission, it automatically flies back to the box, ready for the next mission.
"Automated deployment makes drones a faster, easier, and more resource-efficient tool," says Droniq CEO Jan-Eric Putze. "The use of drone-in-a-box systems therefore marks the next step in efficient drone handling, both for companies and for authorities and organizations with security tasks."
The collaboration between the Kiel Fire Department and Droniq began last year. During Kiel Week 2024, the fire department, with Droniq's support, tested for the first time how an automated drone system could support its operations. For the upcoming Kiel Week, the fire department has purchased two of its own drone-in-a-box systems, the DJI Dock 2 , from Droniq. Droniq supplied the system, installed it at the Kiel Fire Department, and put it into operation. In addition, the specialist for commercial and government drone use is supporting the fire department in developing an operational concept that, among other things, defines procedures during flight operations. Droniq is also responsible for training the drone pilots.
"The rapid reconnaissance of confusing or unclear operational situations with the help of drones is a great added value for assessment and tactical decision-making. We have a picture of the situation before the emergency services arrive and can make our operational decisions more effectively," says Henrik Lehn, Head of the IRLS Central Control Center.
Droniq GmbH
Phil Stephan
Phone: +49 171 6099 747
E-mail: phil.stephan@droniq.de
About Droniq GmbH
Droniq GmbH is a joint venture founded in 2019 by DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung (51% share) and Deutsche Telekom (49% share). Based in Frankfurt am Main, the company's mission is to promote the professional and safe use of drones by public authorities and organizations with security tasks, as well as by companies.
The core of Droniq's product offering is the Droniq Traffic Management System for Drones (UTM). The UTM shows the pilot all surrounding air traffic - manned and unmanned. Furthermore, the other air traffic participants can also see the drone if necessary. With this system, which is unique in Germany, Droniq creates the basis for using drones safely beyond visual range.
Other services offered by Droniq include the sale of drones for commercial and government use, as well as hardware and software solutions for safe operation. Furthermore, the company supports its customers in applying for operating permits and advises on mission planning. With its Drones-as-a-Service division, Droniq also carries out aerial surveys for its customers as needed and handles all related requirements.
With its Droniq Academy, located in Frankfurt and Mönchengladbach, Droniq also offers the opportunity to complete training courses and exams for remote pilots. Droniq's customers include federal and state police units, fire departments, rescue services, and companies in the chemical, logistics, construction, and security sectors.
