The police zone in Vilvoorde-Machelen will use drones to support its staff in police operations starting from Thursday.
The police zone has purchased three operational drones and four smaller training models, each tailored for a wide range of operations. The M30T model is rain and wind-resistant, equipped with a thermal camera, and capable of long-duration missions.
The M4T features advanced imaging technology, including infrared lighting and a laser, and can read number plates from 250 metres away. It uses artificial intelligence to track a vehicle, even if it enters a tunnel or underpass.
The third device, the DJI Air3S, is a compact and lightweight model designed for discrete operations such as reconnaissance and training. The drones will be deployed for the first time on Thursday during the Horst festival at the Asiatsite in Vilvoorde (Flemish Brabant).
"We purchased the drones to support police staff," explained Vilvoorde Mayor Jo De Ro (Open VLD). "They can aid officers in locating missing persons and suspects. At major events, such as Horst, they are valuable for crowd control. This investment also enhances our police zone's attractiveness as an employer."
Each drone can remain airborne for over half an hour per charge. Four officers have been trained to operate them, and by the end of 2025, two more pilots will be trained, bringing the total to six.
The purchase cost for all the drones was €22,000, with an additional annual cost of €1,000 for software licences and €1,500 for insurance.
