CIK participates in the Provincial Crisis Exercise "Bieszczady 2024"

The exercises spanned four counties - Sanok, Brzozów, Lesko, and Bieszczady - and featured scenarios that tested participants’ abilities in challenging operations. These included firefighting in remote and rugged terrain, search-and-rescue missions in the mountains and in water, counterterrorism and securing critical infrastructure. Hundreds of personnel from various services, including the Police, the Polish State Fire Service, the Volunteer Mountain Rescue Service (GOPR), the Border Guard, and the Territorial Defence Forces, took part in the exercises.

A significant focus of the event was the use of cutting-edge technologies such as drones and satellite data, which were deployed to enhance crisis management and operational efficiency. Participants also trialed decision-support IT systems, allowing for a thorough evaluation of their real-world effectiveness.

The CIK team, in cooperation with Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PANSA) representatives, provided support in coordinating UAV flights and operationally testing the Search and Help (S&H) system. Developed by PANSA in collaboration with CIK experts, S&H is a dedicated procedural tool for reporting and managing flights for crisis management and rescue services, aiming to ensure flight efficiency and airspace safety over operational areas.

The "Bieszczady 2024" exercises highlighted the importance of collaboration between different services and institutions and allowed for an assessment of preparedness for crisis situations. Such initiatives not only refine existing procedures but also drive innovation in technologies and solutions that support rescue operations and crisis management.

The exercises concluded with an off-site session of the Provincial Crisis Management Team, attended by representatives from the Provincial Headquarters of the State Fire Service, the Police, the 3rd Podkarpacka Brigade of Territorial Defense, and local government officials. Experts from the CIK and the PANSA presented their findings, focusing on the potential of using UAVs to support and monitor crisis situations and coordinate aerial operations.

As part of the Polish-Norwegian bilateral initiative “CoSky,” the exercise welcomed representatives from Tiepoint and the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB). The Norwegian delegation explored Poland’s air traffic management structures and procedures, including the use of the S&H application, and shared insights from their own practices. This exchange fostered a mutual understanding of best practices in crisis management across borders.

On November 28, 2024, the Jan Grodek State University in Sanok hosted the third edition of the scientific conference “Security in Border Areas – Science and Practice.” The event showcased research and practical experiences related to the evolving challenges of modern crises, with a particular emphasis on the security of Poland’s border regions.

During the conference, CIK tam shared their experiences from the September floods in Poland (link to post to be added), highlighting lessons learned and innovative responses methods. The event also provided a platform to present the Poland’s Civil Security Hub, an experimental initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed at enhancing crisis response capabilities. Another key topic was the European project COLLARIS network, which brings together international experts specializing in the use of UAVs for crisis management.