Sphere Drones has secured a significant contract with the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as part of the NSW Government’s $1.89 million Natural Hazards Technology Program. The company will supply its advanced HubX drone-in-a-box systems, which are designed to enhance remote operations and environmental monitoring. This achievement comes on the heels of Sphere Drones’ earlier success with the Western Australian Police Force’s (WAPOL) Drones as First Responder (DFR) initiative, further cementing its position as a leader in innovative drone technology for public safety and environmental conservation.
The HubX system offers a fully integrated, off-grid solution specifically tailored for use in challenging and remote environments. Mounted on a trailer suitable for 4WD vehicles, the system is optimized for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, allowing drones to be deployed in areas that are difficult to access. Initial deployments of the HubX system will be made across several key national parks, including Yirraldiya Park, Tugalong, Nattai, Yathong, and Kosciuszko National Parks. These deployments will enable NPWS to conduct real-time monitoring of critical areas from a centralized control center, significantly improving their ability to manage natural hazards, safeguard biodiversity, and protect sensitive, feral-free zones.
Sphere Drones has closely collaborated with NPWS, particularly with their Chief Remote Pilot (CRP), Gareth Pickford, to ensure the company fully understands the scope of NPWS’s BVLOS approvals and applications. The NPWS is currently navigating the approval process and is expected to finalize these requirements shortly. Once approved, NPWS will be able to utilize the HubX system to its full potential, furthering its efforts to mitigate natural hazards and preserve the environment.
Commenting on the partnership, Paris Cockinos, CEO of Sphere Drones, expressed the company’s excitement about working with NPWS to protect some of the most ecologically valuable regions in New South Wales. “We are proud to collaborate with NPWS on this vital initiative. The HubX system represents a significant leap forward in the capability to deploy drones quickly and efficiently in remote areas, improving response times for natural hazard management, such as bushfire prevention, while also supporting conservation efforts for endangered wildlife. This partnership, following our success with WA Police, highlights our commitment to delivering impactful solutions for public safety and environmental protection across Australia,” Cockinos stated.
In addition to its collaboration with NPWS, Sphere Drones will work with other key partners, including Forestry Corporation NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority. This partnership aims to expand the application of the HubX system beyond the scope of NPWS, ensuring that the system is deployed effectively across various sectors. By adopting a comprehensive, collaborative approach, the Natural Hazards Technology Program will enhance public safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency across multiple domains.
The HubX drone system offers NPWS numerous operational advantages. Its ability to provide real-time aerial monitoring from remote command centers will allow for faster response times in emergencies, such as bushfires. By utilizing drones to monitor at-risk areas, NPWS will be able to deploy resources more efficiently, mitigating potential threats before they escalate. The HubX system will also support NPWS in its conservation efforts, equipping the organization with cutting-edge tools to help protect endangered species and maintain biodiversity in ecologically sensitive regions.
Furthermore, the HubX system will enable NPWS to monitor vast landscapes with fewer on-the-ground resources, improving overall operational efficiency. Its ability to function in rugged and remote locations will be critical in addressing the unique challenges posed by Australia’s diverse and often harsh terrain.
This latest contract is a testament to Sphere Drones’ growing reputation as a provider of state-of-the-art drone technology. The company’s success with the NPWS tender, following its work with WA Police, underscores its ability to deliver innovative, practical solutions tailored to the specific needs of government organizations. These back-to-back wins demonstrate Sphere Drones’ capacity to enhance public safety, streamline operations, and contribute to environmental conservation on a national scale.
The NSW Natural Hazards Technology Program, which runs from January 2024 to June 2025, will include a 12-month pilot phase. During this period, the HubX system will be tested under real-world conditions, providing NPWS with the opportunity to further refine its hazard management capabilities. This initiative represents a significant step forward in the application of drone technology for environmental and public safety management in Australia.
