Since security agencies and organizations (SAOs) are largely exempt from laws in regard to drones, personnel working on their behalf are allowed to fly even where private drones are restricted. This in turn means that pilots and unmanned flight technology and tactics need to meet the highest standards. On the first two days of this year’s AERO, the special event "Drones in Use by SAOs” will take place in Hall A2. In addition to renowned exhibitors from industry and relief organizations, the Federal Office for Civil Defense and Disaster Relief (Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe, BBK for short), as Germany’s supreme federal authority for civil defense and as a partner of this event, will also be represented.

"The symposium can be viewed as a prelude to taking a closer look at and optimizing the increasingly important cooperation between the police and non-police response to hazards in the use of drones. The goal is work together effectively and to present a united front where drones are used,” says Christoph Unger, President of the Federal Office for Civil Defense and Disaster Relief.

The ways in which drones are now being used are diverse and varied, and new ideas are constantly emerging. However, many of the potential capabilities are still in the research and testing phase. "Drones are becoming increasingly important in civil defense and disaster management. And although the use of unmanned aerial systems continues to increase, the deployment strategies and application methods in Germany and the other European member states are developing in ways that are quite varied. With this year’s special event ‘Drones in Use by SAOs,’ AERO is putting its focus on unmanned aviation used by firefighters, emergency services, and the police. The trade fair is thus supporting sustainable development of operational tactical standards and exchange of technical information between the various user organizations,” explains Roland Bosch, Head of AERO. On the first two days of the fair, the special unmanned aviation show will be open to all AERO 2020 visitors. In addition, the Open-Air Grounds East is reserved for extensive demonstrations. There are also plans to exhibit heavy-duty drones in firefighting operations there.

About the BBK:

As an important contribution by Germany’s government to the new strategy for the protection of the population in Germany, the Federal Office for Civil Defense and Disaster Relief (BKK) was established in May 2004. As a superior federal authority within the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Homeland Affairs (BMI), it is responsible for tasks in the areas of civil defense and disaster assistance. The BKK supports the BMI in the above-mentioned areas. It also supports the competent supreme federal authorities if approval for this is given by the BMI.

Messe Friedrichshafen and the AERO:

Messe Friedrichshafen is one of Germany’s top-tier organizers of trade fairs. Many of the these "Made in Friedrichshafen” fairs occupy the foremost position among trade exhibitions for specific industries, such as AERO Friedrichshafen or leading trade fair Eurobike. With more than 35,000 visitors each year, AERO Friedrichshafen is the preeminent trade fair for general aviation. This annual trade show attracts more than 700 exhibitors from 40 countries, presenting a wide range of innovations in the individual industry segments.
The AERO will take place in Friedrichshafen from April 1 to 4, 2020. Further information is available at: www.aero-expo.com.

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