Unmanned firefighting robots deployed to rescue units across South Korea

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Firefighting robots donated to Korea National Fire Agency

Hyundai Motor Group has donated four unmanned firefighting robots to South Korea’s Korea National Fire Agency (KNFA) to support fire suppression in high-risk environments.

The Group confirmed that a donation ceremony took place on 24 February at the National 119 Rescue Headquarters in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province.

Two firefighting robots have already been deployed to 119 Special Rescue Units in the Capital and Yeongnam regions and are in use during live fire operations.

Two additional units will be delivered to the Gyeonggi Provincial Fire Headquarters in Hwaseong and the Chungnam Provincial Fire Headquarters.

Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, said: “Firefighters who rush into danger without hesitation to save lives remind us of the values our society must uphold.

“In partnership with the Korea National Fire Agency, we developed the Unmanned Firefighting Robot to help realize the very value of ‘safety’ that firefighters have long protected.

“The Unmanned Firefighting Robots that we are donating embody Hyundai Motor Group’s core technologies and represent a new form of mobility built on our shared goal of ‘technology that saves lives.’

“We hope they will serve as reliable teammates, entering dangerous scenes ahead of others to safeguard the firefighters’ safety.

“When the National Fire Hospital opens this June, we will support firefighters’ swift recovery by donating vehicles and rehabilitation equipment.

“Hyundai Motor Group will continue to provide the technologies and support needed to ensure that firefighters can carry out their missions in a safer environment.”

Seung-ryong Kim, Acting Commissioner of the Korea National Fire Agency, said: “This initiative marks the first step in a paradigm shift that will redefine disaster response.

“We will continue to actively introduce advanced technology to the field through innovative collaboration with the private sector, including Hyundai Motor Group, a global mobility leader.”

Robot design and operational capabilities

Hyundai Motor Group developed the unmanned firefighting robot in collaboration with the KNFA based on Hyundai Rotem’s electrified multi-purpose unmanned vehicle, the HR-Sherpa.

The robot is equipped with a front-mounted water cannon capable of delivering both direct and spray-type water streams to address different fire conditions.

A self-spraying cooling system creates a protective water curtain around the vehicle, enabling it to maintain an internal temperature of 50 to 60°C when exposed to external temperatures reaching 800°C.

An infrared camera supports object detection through smoke and flames and helps identify fire origins and individuals requiring rescue.

Operators receive real-time video via a wireless connection, enabling remote control of driving and firefighting functions.

The vehicle uses high-temperature-resistant tyres and a six-wheel independent drive in-wheel motor system to support mobility across debris and uneven terrain.

Pierce Manufacturing outlines $150m US facility investment including Florida expansion

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Pierce Manufacturing facility upgrades in Bradenton

Pierce Manufacturing has announced a new phase of facility enhancements at its Bradenton, Florida location, including adding a nearby 185,000 sq ft facility.

The company said the Bradenton work builds on recently announced investments at its Appleton, Wisconsin manufacturing campus.

It is investing around $150 million across its facilities, including about $70 million invested to date.

the manufacturer has added 800 new US jobs and is still hiring.

The 185,000 sq ft facility is located near Pierce Manufacturing’s Florida campus.

The company described it as part of a previously announced plan for more than 500,000 sq ft of new space to support increased fire apparatus production.

The new space is intended to support expanded material storage and kitting.

It is also intended to support improved production flow and enhanced training capabilities.

The company said the facility is expected to be operational by mid-2026.

Bradenton paint operations and site infrastructure work

Pierce Manufacturing said it is investing in expanded paint operations at the Bradenton campus.

The company said the project includes new booth space and material-handling enhancements intended to streamline workflows and support higher capacity and improved production consistency.

Marty Bass, President, Pierce Manufacturing, said: “Our growing team in Bradenton plays a critical role in delivering the quality and craftsmanship our customers expect.

“Over the past several years, Pierce has significantly expanded its Florida workforce and production capability.

“These investments reflect our continued focus on building high-quality apparatus, supporting our team members, strengthening our operations and positioning Pierce to meet customer demand well into the future.”

The Bradenton campus is also undergoing site infrastructure improvements, including expanded parking capacity, improved traffic flow and enhanced security features.

The company said these changes are intended to support a safe and efficient environment for team members and visitors.

Darley launches Darley Data Center for fire department reporting analysis

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Darley Data Center platform launch

Darley has launched the Darley Data CenterSM, a customised platform designed to help first responders visualise data, identify trends and compare department performance using a proprietary tool that analyses National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data.

The company said the platform is accessible at DarleyData.com.

Darley said the platform uses the latest available public NFIRS data through 2024, with 2025 data described as forthcoming.

Darley said it will transition to public National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) data shortly after it is released.

Darley said the platform will include mapping tools to enable year on year comparisons across NFIRS and NERIS.

Darley Data Center features and data views

Darley listed response times, call volume, incident type and action taken among the data presented through the platform.

Darley also listed a heat map of call location, resource efficiency, staffing levels and annual department trends.

The company said the platform includes a function to compare performance with other departments.

Paul Darley, CEO and Chairman at Darley, said: “We’re incredibly excited to offer this powerful platform as a free service to the first responder community.

“The Darley Data CenterSM helps fire departments dynamically visualize their data and compare performance, providing leaders with actionable insights that support effective, informed operations and resource allocation decisions.”

Darley linked to a video showcasing the Darley Data CenterSM features and capabilities.

Oshkosh appoints Marty Bass to lead Pierce Manufacturing

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Pierce Manufacturing leadership appointment

Pierce Manufacturing has appointed Marty Bass as President of Pierce Manufacturing, effective 13 January 2026.

Bass’s responsibilities include oversight of Pierce Manufacturing, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh Airport Products (ARFF) and Frontline Communications.

He joins Pierce following a 19-year career at Brunswick Corporation.

His most recent role there was President, Americas Market Operations for the Navico Group.

Role scope and background

Bass has more than two decades of leadership experience in global manufacturing businesses, with a background in operations, quality systems and complex supply chains.

During his tenure at Brunswick, he held roles including President of Mercury Marine’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

He also served as Vice President of Global Category Management and Strategy at Mercury Marine.

Mike Pack, Oshkosh Corporation Executive Vice President and President, Vocational, said: “Marty is a proven leader with a deep understanding of how to deliver quality, efficiency and long-term growth to meet the critical needs of our customers.

“As Pierce continues to make significant investments in people and across operations, Marty’s experience leading advanced manufacturing organizations will be instrumental in helping us remain focused on what matters most: delivering safe, reliable, quality fire apparatus while being thoughtful stewards of our customers’ resources.”

Current operating context and investment claims

The company said Bass joins as departments across North America face increased budget pressures, industry-wide extended lead times and rising operational demands.

Pierce described its response as more than $150 million in capital investment and capacity expansions, process improvements and workforce development aimed at strengthening quality and improving production flow to reduce delivery timelines.

Bass said: “I’m honored to join Pierce Manufacturing and build upon the legacy of craftsmanship, innovation and customer commitment which defines this organization.

“Fire departments and their communities rely on Pierce apparatus to perform in the most critical moments, and that responsibility guides every decision we make.

“My focus will be on supporting our teams, reinforcing quality and operational discipline, and ensuring we continue to earn the trust of our customers and the fire service community.”

Before his corporate career, Bass served as an officer and engineer in the United States Navy within the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

He holds dual master’s degrees in business administration and engineering management from Northwestern University.

He also holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Darley to supply rescue and communications gear for Ford Bronco donations

by Featured NewsSearch and RescueVehicles

Darley supports Ford’s Bronco donation programme

Ford has announced a nationwide search to donate five Bronco Badlands models with the Sasquatch Package to under-resourced search and rescue organisations in 2026.

The announcement was made at the Detroit Auto Show.

Two recipients are already confirmed as Kern County Fire and Rescue in California and Teton County Search and Rescue in Wyoming.

Applications are now open for the remaining three vehicles.

Equipment and application details

Ford said it is working with Darley and Public Safety Direct to make the vehicles mission-ready.

The vehicle fit-out may include Starlink satellite connectivity for communications in remote or disaster-impacted areas.

The fit-out may also include integrated drone technology for real-time aerial reconnaissance and situational awareness.

The specification may also include advanced lighting, winches and recovery systems.

Peter Darley, Executive Vice President and COO of Darley, said: “We’re proud to collaborate with Ford because we share a commitment to innovation and supporting those who serve.

“By combining Ford’s legendary vehicles with Darley’s expertise in rescue and communications gear, we’re helping search and rescue teams operate at their best, even in the toughest conditions.”

Kevin Sofen, Technology and Innovation Manager for Darley, added: “Search and rescue teams don’t need complicated technology, they need tools that work every time they show up for work.

“These Broncos are purpose-built with reliable connectivity and integrated rescue capabilities designed specifically for how SAR teams operate.

“It’s a vehicle teams can rely on in demanding conditions, without having to question whether it’s going to hold up when lives are on the line”

Search and rescue organisations interested in applying can find details at the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) webpage.

Fire vehicles now part of Terex portfolio after REV Group merger

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Fire equipment portfolio after merger

Terex Corporation has completed its merger with REV Group, creating a combined specialty equipment manufacturer.

Terex Corporation announced the completion on 2 February 2026 in Norwalk, Connecticut.

The combined company will trade on the New York Stock Exchange as Terex Corporation under the ticker NYSE: TEX.

REV stock has ceased trading and is no longer listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Terex’s portfolio now includes purpose-built fire appliances as part of its expanded specialty vehicle range.

The merger brings additional fire and emergency vehicles into Terex’s product line through REV Group’s existing capabilities.

Terex said its fire vehicles are designed for emergency services alongside ambulances and other specialty apparatus.

The combined business will manufacture and support fire vehicles through its global dealer parts and service network.

Integration plans and financial targets

Terex said the combination with REV Group is expected to deliver $75 million of run-rate value in 2028.

Terex said about 50% of that run-rate value is expected to be achieved over the next 12 months.

Simon Meester, Terex President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “The combination with REV Group is a defining moment in Terex’s transformation.

“It creates a large-scale leader with a wide range of specialty equipment and a highly synergistic portfolio at the same time.

“The merger positions the company quite uniquely to accelerate profitable growth with a much more resilient top line,” Meester commented. “We look forward to leveraging the best of both organizations and creating real value for our customers and shareholders.”

Company scope and advisors

Terex said its portfolio includes specialty vehicles including fire, ambulance and Recreational Vehicles alongside waste collection vehicles and other equipment categories.

Barclays served as exclusive financial advisor to Terex, with Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson and Pryor Cashman as legal counsel, and Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher as strategic communications advisor.

J.P. Morgan served as exclusive financial advisor to REV Group, with Davis Polk & Wardwell as legal counsel, and Brunswick Group as strategic communications advisor.

The announcement sets out the combined company’s market listing arrangements and the integration targets described by Terex.

Seven new PANTHER 6×6 units mark Rosenbauer production number 3,000

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Rosenbauer order for Athens airport PANTHER replacement

Rosenbauer is set to deliver its 3,000th PANTHER 6×6 to Athens International Airport as part of a seven-vehicle order.

Rosenbauer announced it had won an international tender to supply Greece’s largest airport with seven fourth-generation PANTHER 6×6 vehicles.

The seven new vehicles will replace seven PANTHER units from the existing airport fleet from the 1998 model year.

Vehicle configuration and onboard systems

The order includes three PANTHER 6×6 vehicles with a high reach extendable turret (HRET) and four vehicles with a classic roof turret.

The HRET units have an extendable telescopic arm that reaches a height of around 16 metres.

The arm is fitted with a piercing tool intended for penetration into aircraft fuselages.

The turret can dispense water, foam or extinguishing powder.

The roof-turret vehicles have electrically remote-controlled turrets with flow rates of up to 9,000 litres per minute.

The roof turrets have throw ranges of well over 80 metres.

The company said the award decision also considered pump and admixture systems, turret control, driver assistance and safety systems, crew cabin ergonomics, off-road mobility and robustness.

The specification also includes integrated thermal imaging and illumination solutions.

Athens airport operating context and production milestone

Athens International Airport opened in March 2001 and has two runways.

The airport currently handles an average of around 770 flights per day, with higher levels in the summer months.

Rosenbauer stated the delivery of the 3,000th PANTHER also marks a production milestone for its airport firefighting vehicle line.

The company traced the line from large tank firefighting vehicles in the 1950s, through the SIMBA series in the 1980s, to the debut of the first PANTHER in 1991.

It reported that more than 2,000 PANTHERs were delivered between 1991 and 2020, with over 1,000 more added between 2020 and 2026.

The company listed Geneva, Atlanta and Athens as examples of airports where the PANTHER is in operation.

The 3,000th PANTHER 6×6 is part of the seven-vehicle delivery planned for Athens International Airport.

Autonomous ground vehicles trialled for wildfire response supplies and PTZ overwatch

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Wildfire response demonstration at Camp Pendleton

A demonstration at Camp Pendleton, California, showcased autonomous resupply and wildfire logistics using unmanned ground vehicles and a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and Overland AI demonstrated autonomous resupply, wildfire logistics and fire suppression efforts via PTZ camera for wildfire operations.

ULTRA vehicles and payloads used in the mission

Two of Overland AI’s ULTRA autonomous ground vehicles were piloted by OverDrive, the company’s autonomy software.

The vehicles were described as fully autonomous ground platforms with off-road manoeuvrability and modular payloads.

Payloads referenced in the announcement included a PTZ camera and mission packages designed to deliver food, water, hose, batteries and other critical equipment to remote fire lines.

The coordinated mission described the vehicles autonomously delivering supplies across austere terrain and establishing persistent overwatch.

The vehicles were also described as repositioning to elevated ground to support future communications relay needs.

Deputy Chief Jack Worden, Office of Wildfire Technology, Research and Development at CAL FIRE, said: “This demonstration is in line with what CAL FIRE is trying to do today with our larger autonomy plan and how we see the future of firefighting as a force multiplier.

“That applies not only within CAL FIRE but across the fire service as a whole.”

Overland AI co-founder and chief executive officer Byron Boots said: “ULTRA continues to show how autonomous land systems can strengthen missions from national defense to critical public safety.

“It is an honor to support wildfire operations with our capability.”

FireDos launches compact M1 fire monitor for fixed installations and fire trucks

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Fire monitor design and key specifications

FireDos has announced the M1, a compact remote-controlled fire monitor intended for stationary fire protection installations and use on fire trucks.

The company said the unit has dimensions of 470 mm x 255 mm x 360 mm and is designed for installation in confined spaces.

The M1 is electrically driven and uses 24V DC drives.

FireDos stated that the M1 can be operated remotely using the FireDos control system.

The company described two working ranges with extinguishing agent flows of 150 to 1000 l/min or 400 to 2000 l/min.

Nozzle options and stated applications

FireDos described the M1 as being available with several nozzle options to suit different application environments.

The M1 can be equipped with the MPN multi-purpose nozzle or the AMPN Adjustable Multi-Purpose Nozzle.

FireDos stated that with the MPN nozzle, the extinguishing agent flow is adjusted and tested to customer specifications and can switch steplessly between hollow and spray jets.

The company stated that the AMPN allows the extinguishing agent flow to be adjusted continuously during operation, including to respond to spreading fires.

FireDos described an optional configuration where both nozzles are designed as flat jet nozzles that produce a fan-shaped jet and are intended to extinguish large areas more quickly.

The company listed typical applications including stationary fire protection in waste bunkers, recycling plants, ASRS systems and helicopter landing pads.

FireDos also described use as a front monitor on standard fire trucks, including for vegetation fire response using a wide-angle flat jet nozzle.

The M1 is intended to be configured through nozzle selection and operating range to match the installation and response scenario.

Magirus outlines UAE hub plans and three-year EmiControls collaboration

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Magirus plans a new United Arab Emirates entity

Magirus has announced plans to establish a new entity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of its international growth strategy, alongside a separate partnership expansion with EmiControls.

In a statement dated 9 January 2026, Magirus outlined the establishment of Magirus United Arab Emirates as a regional hub for the Middle East.

The company linked the move to local product availability, shorter response times and an expanded service offering on the ground.

The new entity is intended to expand regional sales of firefighting and rescue vehicles, equipment, robotic solutions and spare parts.

Local project execution, commissioning, maintenance, training and after-sales services are expected to be delivered closer to customers.

Fatmir Veselaj, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Magirus, commented: “Internationalisation is one of our greatest opportunities.”

Veselaj added: “With the establishment of Magirus United Arab Emirates, we are creating the structural foundation to achieve sustainable growth in the region.”

Magirus extends EmiControls collaboration for AirCore solutions

In a statement dated 13 January 2026, Magirus confirmed it has signed a new cooperation agreement with EmiControls with a minimum term of three years.

The companies outlined plans to quadruple their joint sales volumes within the next three years.

The renewed agreement includes a regional division of markets intended to set responsibilities for market development.

The partnership builds on more than a decade of collaboration with EmiControls, which Magirus identified as a manufacturer of water mist turbines and modular robotic solutions based in Bolzano, Italy.

The statement highlighted the AirCore TAF as a multifunctional robot based on water mist technology.

Martin Eppacher, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EmiControls, stated: “Our collaboration with Magirus has proven extremely successful over many years.”

Eppacher continued: “With this new agreement, we aim to significantly scale our solutions internationally.”

Partnership structures and regional activity plans

Magirus outlined that the updated collaboration places a focus on defined responsibilities, coordinated planning and decision-making processes, and closer operational and strategic integration.

Veselaj noted: “We are not pursuing short-term gains, but consciously focusing on long-term, sustainable partnerships with clear goals and dependable structures.”

He added: “Our collaboration with EmiControls is a cornerstone of our system strategy.”

Magirus also outlined an ongoing process aimed at potential participation in a local provider in the Middle East.

The company confirmed it is strengthening collaboration with existing and potential new partners in the region.

The announcements set out a parallel focus on establishing local structures in the UAE and extending Magirus system solutions through its renewed EmiControls agreement.