Hong Kong to test firefighting drones in pilot scheme

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Edith LinJanuary 28, 2026 at 08:41 AM

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Hong Kong authorities plan to launch a pilot scheme to test firefighting drones, with the aim of deploying them in operations once the technology has matured. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung announced the plan following the Tai Po blaze in November, which claimed 168 lives. The pilot scheme will build on mainland China's experience, but Tang noted that the technology is still experimental and not yet suitable for real fire scenes. Hong Kong's Fire Services Department is maintaining close contact with mainland authorities and drone manufacturers to test drones produced by local companies. The goal is to introduce firefighting drones in Hong Kong once they have been proven safe and feasible. This move aims to enhance the city's fire safety capabilities.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tai Po 50% Legislative Council 60% Fire Services Department 60% Mainland China ×470% Chris Tang Ping-keung ×280% Hong Kong ×690%

Keywords

firefighting drones 100% pilot scheme 80% hong kong 70% fire services department 60% drone technology 50% fire safety 50% security minister 40% mainland china 40%