FDNY joins partner agencies to assess drone technology and operations for first responders in New York City

July 30, 2025

The FDNY continues to lead the way using cutting-edge drone technology for fire and rescue operations—ensuring safety for both New York City's residents and visitors, as well as its first responders.

On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker joined leaders from partner agencies in Manhattan to discuss the effectiveness of existing drone options. The FDNY and the NYPD, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL), held a weeklong comprehensive test series.

The assessment incorporated Department of Defense-approved drones from the "Blue UAS Cleared List" that have been vetted to be cyber-secure and compliant with DoD policy. As public safety agencies look to update their drone fleets, the assessment helped identify alternatives to drones from covered nations and provide manufacturers with feedback to guide future product improvements.

"The FDNY has fully embraced drone technology," FDNY Commissioner Tucker said, noting that the first drone deployed by the Department was in March 2017. "We have been at this a long time, but the technology has evolved. Today, we're using drones across all five boroughs."

The assessment offered pilots a hands-on opportunity to evaluate potential drone replacements for use in FDNY operations. The unmanned aircraft allow incident commanders to have an eye in the sky to see what cannot be observed from the ground.