logo
Kuwait explores use of Bayraktar TB2 drones for environmental monitoring

Kuwait explores use of Bayraktar TB2 drones for environmental monitoring

Kuwait Times2 days ago
Newly-acquired drones to support surveillance of borders, critical infrastructure
KUWAIT: Kuwait is moving to integrate its newly acquired Bayraktar TB2 drones into environmental surveillance and civilian operations, according to a statement by the General Staff of the Army following a high-level coordination meeting held Sunday. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lt Gen Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, gathered senior military officials and representatives from the Ministry of Public Works, Kuwait Municipality, and the Environment Public Authority, alongside other civil and security agencies.
Discussions focused on how to organize reconnaissance flights and enhance the use of drone-generated data across state institutions, 'in support of observation and follow-up efforts' and to 'enhance the state's capabilities in addressing security and environmental changes,' the statement said. The meeting also reviewed the technical systems onboard the Bayraktar drone and explored its applications in defense, environmental monitoring, and the protection of vital infrastructure and borders.
Lt Gen Al-Sabah emphasized the importance of using the drone beyond military settings. 'The utilization of the Bayraktar drone's capabilities is not limited to the military side only but extends to include many civilian sectors of the state,' he said. He called for greater coordination between military and civilian entities to maximize the benefits of this advanced aerial system. He described the drone as 'a qualitative leap in capabilities for monitoring, environmental surveillance, and the protection of facilities and borders,' and underscored the responsibility to invest and deploy the system effectively.
The Bayraktar TB2 is capable of flying non-stop for 24 hours, carrying up to 650 kilograms. In 2019, it completed a test flight in Kuwait that lasted 27 hours and 3 minutes, despite high temperatures, strong winds, and sandstorms.
The coordination meeting follows the arrival of Kuwait's first Bayraktar drones earlier this month, after a $367 million purchase agreement was signed with Turkish defense company Baykar in January 2023. Kuwait became the 28th country to acquire the TB2, a drone that has been used in conflict zones including Ukraine, Libya, and Azerbaijan.
Kuwait has also been training personnel for drone operations, with the first batch of TB2 operators graduating in Turkey in July 2024, and a second group earlier this year.
While Kuwait's discussions mark an early step in integrating drones into environmental oversight, drones have increasingly been used for that purpose in recent years. In Pakistan's Punjab province, officials launched a drone-linked environmental monitoring system in September 2024 to track factory emissions and enforce environmental laws. In the Arctic, high-speed drones were tested earlier this year to assess the rate of glacier retreat in Greenland. Research also points to the use of drones at landfills to detect methane emissions with high spatial and temporal precision, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional monitoring methods. — Agencies
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Kuwait to launch 3-day donation campaign, air bridge to Gaza
Kuwait to launch 3-day donation campaign, air bridge to Gaza

Kuwait Times

time14 hours ago

  • Kuwait Times

Kuwait to launch 3-day donation campaign, air bridge to Gaza

Kuwait to launch 3-day donation campaign, air bridge to Gaza New government entity to oversee all charity activities; Humanitarian law to be ready in 2-3 weeks KUWAIT: Kuwait is launching a three-day donation campaign starting Tuesday, followed by the organization of an air bridge to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to Assistant Foreign Minister for Development and International Cooperation Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan. Speaking to the press on the sidelines of Peru's National Day celebration on Sunday, Al-Mashaan said charitable associations across the country will collect funds for the Gaza aid campaign, which will be entirely allocated to the purchase of relief materials through Kuwait Flour Mills Company. "All donations will go toward essential supplies, procured from a trusted local producer with the capacity to meet immediate needs," he said. Once the donations are collected, the Ministry of Defense — specifically the Kuwait Air Force — will coordinate the transportation of aid using a Kuwaiti military aircraft. Shipments will be sent via two routes: to Al-Arish in Egypt, where they will be handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent in coordination with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, and to Jordan for further delivery to Gaza. Unified charity system Al-Mashaan also noted that Kuwait is in the final stages of approving a comprehensive law to regulate charitable work and strengthen oversight over the sector. A key feature of the law is the creation of a governmental 'center', dedicated to humanitarian work, serving as a unified authority overseeing all aspects of charitable activities. The new law, which has been developed over seven high-level committee meetings chaired by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, is currently under legal review. It includes frameworks to regulate the operation of charitable societies and foundations, set standards for donation collection, and bring all charitable entities under the umbrella of the new center. The center will oversee the registration of charity associations, organize relief campaigns, monitor international donations, and issue all necessary approvals — streamlining processes and reducing the need for associations to navigate multiple government entities. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef has tasked Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait with coordinating with the Fatwa and Legislation Department before the law is submitted to the Legal Committee for final approval. 'We expect the law to be finalized within two to three weeks,' Al-Mashaan said. 'However, implementing the executive regulations and launching the center will take more time and effort, especially with the transfer of staff from the Ministry of Social Affairs.' He emphasized that in Kuwait's charitable work, domestic needs will take precedence, followed by support for international causes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is playing a leading role in this process, particularly in monitoring international donations and ensuring accountability for overseas projects.

Ahmadi Governorate Council's debut reveals how it will serve community
Ahmadi Governorate Council's debut reveals how it will serve community

Kuwait Times

time19 hours ago

  • Kuwait Times

Ahmadi Governorate Council's debut reveals how it will serve community

KUWAIT: The newly formed Ahmadi Governorate Council holds its first session on Monday. — KUNA KUWAIT: The newly formed Ahmadi Governorate Council held its first session on Monday, outlining plans for how it will support the governorate's development and its community needs. The meeting was chaired by Governor Sheikh Humoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at the Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Oil and Gas Exhibition, with representatives from government agencies and three citizen members present. The council was established following the Cabinet's approval in May 2025, under Decree No. 151 of 2024, which created Governorate Councils across all six of Kuwait's governorates. These councils are designed to support governors in managing local affairs and improving public services. Sheikh Humoud highlighted the council's key role in advancing development efforts and improving public services in Ahmadi. 'Our work plan includes monitoring government development projects in the governorate and enhancing the quality of public services,' he said. 'We will also assess the needs for new facilities, address citizens' complaints, and encourage initiatives aimed at improving our community.' In addition to overseeing infrastructure and public service projects, the council will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Interior to maintain security and public order. It will also supervise environmental safety and public health efforts, and promote educational, social, and volunteer activities within the community. To manage its work efficiently, the council formed specialized subcommittees during the session. These include the Public Services Committee, the Complaints and Suggestions Committee, and the Government Projects Follow-up Committee. Sheikh Humoud praised the strong cooperation from government bodies involved and emphasized their shared commitment to sustainable development across the governorate. — Agencies

Kuwait Airways starts self-service check-in at T4 terminal
Kuwait Airways starts self-service check-in at T4 terminal

Arab Times

time21 hours ago

  • Arab Times

Kuwait Airways starts self-service check-in at T4 terminal

KUWAIT CITY, July 28: Kuwait Airways announced the launch of a self-service check-in system at Terminal 4 (T4) that allows passengers to complete travel procedures independently, including weighing their luggage and printing boarding passes, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Captain Abdulmohsen Al-Faqan, the Board Chairman of Kuwait Airways, explained that this service enables passengers to weigh their luggage and issue boarding passes without staff intervention, thereby speeding up the process. This step is part of Kuwait Airways' ongoing efforts to facilitate the check-in process and reduce congestion, especially during the summer travel season. The company will release an explanatory video to guide passengers on using the new service with ease and convenience. He affirmed Kuwait Airways' commitment to enhancing the travel experience by meeting passengers' needs from the moment they enter the terminal, ensuring smooth procedures, boarding, and access to top-quality services. Captain Al-Faqan stressed that Kuwait Airways spares no effort in providing comfort to its customers by pursuing a strategy focused on achieving the highest service standards and expanding its network with new and diverse destinations and services. It is worth highlighting that Kuwait Airways operates a modern fleet consisting of the latest Boeing and Airbus aircraft models, equipped with advanced technologies that meet the highest international aviation standards. The fleet offers state-of-the-art entertainment systems and ergonomically designed seats to ensure maximum passenger comfort. The company also employs a select team of highly qualified technical specialists, according to the highest industry standards

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store