Translating policy into practice and bringing real-world industry insight back into the legislative process is Euralarm’s mission. Today, this role is more important than ever because regulation is becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, particularly with the convergence of digital, cyber and physical security. Our strongest impact in recent years has been in helping shape EU legislation

By: Damir Muharemovic; E-mail: editorial@asadria.com

a&s Adria: Can you please present yourself to our readers, with an emphasys on your professional career and position at Euralarm?

Mita: I am Peter Mita, President of Euralarm, the European association representing the fire safety and security industry. My professional career has been dedicated to advancing safety technologies and fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and standards bodies.

At Euralarm, I have the privilege of working with experts across Europe to ensure that our sector not only complies with regulation but actively shapes it. Our role is to bring technical expertise into policy discussions and ensure that legislation supports innovation while maintaining the highest levels of safety and security for citizens.

a&s Adria: Euralarm sits between policymakers, standards bodies and the industry. How do you define that role today, and where has the association had the strongest practical impact in recent years?

Mita: Euralarm acts as a bridge—translating policy into practice and bringing real-world industry insight back into the legislative process. Today, this role is more important than ever because regulation is becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, particularly with the convergence of digital, cyber and physical security. Our strongest impact in recent years has been in helping shape EU legislation such as the Cyber Resilience Act and contributing to standardisation efforts. We ensure that technical realities are understood, preventing unintended consequences that could compromise safety or innovation.

a&s Adria: The Cyber Resilience Act is now becoming a reality for manufacturers. What does it actually change for fire safety and security companies, especially those that may not traditionally see themselves as “cyber” businesses?

Mita: The Cyber Resilience Act fundamentally changes how our industry must think about products. Fire safety and security systems are no longer just physical devices—they are connected, digital systems. Even companies that did not consider themselves “cyber” businesses must now address cybersecurity throughout the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to maintenance. This means implementing secure development practices, vulnerability management, and long-term support strategies. Ultimately, it raises the baseline for trust in safety and security technologies.

Serious Consequences of Incorrect Device Classification

a&s Adria: Your organization has published guidance clarifying how products should be classified under the Cyber Resilience Act as default, Important, or Critical. Why does this classification matter so much, and what are the risks if companies misunderstand it?

Mita: Classification determines the level of obligations a manufacturer must meet. If a product is misclassified, companies may either underinvest in security—creating vulnerabilities—or overcomply, increasing costs unnecessarily. For safety-critical systems such as fire detection or access control, incorrect classification can have serious consequences, including increased exposure to cyber threats that could directly impact life safety systems. This is why Euralarm has provided a fact sheet —to ensure clarity and consistency across the industry. The fact sheet also outlines how future harmonised standards under development—such as EN 62443-4-x and other horizontal standards—may support manufacturers in demonstrating conformity and benefiting from presumption of conformity where applicable.

a&s Adria: The association has also raised concerns about the Data Act, particularly provisions that could create new security vulnerabilities. What was the core issue from the industry’s perspective, and what does it reveal about the tension between data access and system security?

Mita: The Data Act aims to improve data accessibility, which is a positive goal. However, from our perspective, some provisions risk weakening system security. Safety and security systems often rely on controlled data environments to maintain integrity. If access is not carefully managed, it could introduce vulnerabilities or enable malicious interference. This highlights a broader tension: enabling data sharing while preserving system resilience. Both are essential, but they must be balanced carefully.

a&s Adria: Another issue the association has addressed is the proposed Digital Networks Act and the shutdown of legacy communication networks. Why could this transition pose risks for fire safety and security systems, and what would a responsible migration strategy look like?

Mita: Many fire and security systems still rely on legacy communication networks that are being phased out. If this transition is not managed properly, critical systems could lose connectivity, compromising their effectiveness. A responsible migration strategy must include risk assessment, backward compatibility where necessary, and clear timelines. Most importantly, safety systems must remain operational at all times during the transition.

a&s Adria: Your recent position on the EU Battery Regulation highlights concerns specific to safety and security systems. Why does battery classification matter so much in this sector, and what could happen if the regulation is applied incorrectly to the installed base across Europe?

Mita: Batteries are essential for ensuring continuity of operation during power outages. If regulations are applied incorrectly, it could lead to unsuitable battery technologies being used or unnecessary replacement of existing systems. This could compromise reliability or impose significant costs without improving safety. The installed base across Europe must be treated carefully to avoid unintended disruptions.

a&s Adria: Critical infrastructure resilience has become a central theme in Euralarm’s recent communications. Why has this topic moved so high on the agenda, and how has the conversation evolved in recent years?

Mita: The risk landscape has changed dramatically. We now face hybrid threats that combine cyber, physical and geopolitical elements. Critical infrastructure—energy, transport, data—has become a target. As a result, resilience is no longer just about preventing incidents but ensuring systems can withstand and recover from them. This shift has elevated the topic to a strategic priority across Europe.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure Is Everyone’s Responsibility

a&s Adria: Guidance published by the association suggests that protecting vital installations is a shared societal responsibility rather than solely an operator’s task. What does that mean in practice for governments, infrastructure operators, system integrators and manufacturers?

Mita: Protecting critical infrastructure cannot be left to operators alone. Governments must provide clear regulatory frameworks and support enforcement. Operators must implement robust systems and processes. Manufacturers must design secure and reliable technologies. System integrators play a key role in ensuring that all components work together effectively. It is a collective effort.

a&s Adria: The association has also highlighted the growing importance of perimeter protection as hybrid threats increasingly combine physical, cyber and informational attack vectors. How should the industry rethink perimeter security in this environment?

Mita: Perimeter security must evolve from being purely physical to being integrated and intelligent. Threats today are multi-layered, combining physical intrusion with cyber manipulation and misinformation. We need systems that can detect, analyse and respond across these domains in real time. Integration and interoperability are key. Euralarm has taken the initiative to start a Perimeter Round Table, bringing together all stakeholders in this field. Together we will be working on more guidance and information in this important field.

a&s Adria: Data centers have emerged as another strategic focus in your recent work. Why should fire safety and physical security in data centers be treated as board level concerns rather than purely technical issues? Where do you see the biggest gaps between regulatory expectations, available technologies and what operators are actually implementing in practice?

Mita: Data centers are now critical infrastructure. Any disruption can have widespread economic and societal impact. Fire safety and security are not just technical issues—they are business continuity issues. The gap we often see is between what technology can provide and what is actually implemented. Greater awareness at board level is needed to close that gap. That is why our association has released several guidance documents and organized webinars focusing on fire safety and security for datacenters.

a&s Adria: The association welcomed the European Commission’s e commerce initiative aimed at tackling non compliant, low cost safety products sold through online platforms. How serious is this issue today, and what enforcement mechanisms does Europe realistically need?

Mita: It is a significant and growing problem. Low-cost, non-compliant products undermine safety, distort competition and erode trust in the market. Europe needs stronger enforcement mechanisms, including better market surveillance and accountability for online platforms.

a&s Adria: The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is expected to drive a major renovation wave across Europe. You have warned that this process could introduce overlooked fire safety risks, including those linked to new insulation materials, EV charging infrastructure and battery storage. How significant are these risks, and what needs to change?

Mita: The renovation wave driven by energy efficiency goals is essential, but it brings new risks. Materials such as insulation, as well as technologies like EV charging and energy storage, introduce new fire dynamics. Fire safety must be integrated into renovation strategies from the outset—not treated as an afterthought.

a&s Adria: The association has also spoken about attracting young professionals and improving diversity in the sector. How serious is the talent gap today, and what must the industry do to remain capable of meeting increasingly complex regulatory and technological demands?

Mita: The talent gap is a real concern. Our industry is becoming more complex, requiring expertise in digital technologies, cybersecurity and system integration alongside traditional engineering skills. We must attract young professionals, promote diversity and clearly communicate the societal importance of our work. That is why Euralarm started the Euralarm Young Professional initiative – a community designed to engage, educate and empower the next generation of leaders in the fire safety and security industry.

a&s Adria: Finally, what will Euralarm work on in the upcoming period, what will be in the focus of your work?

Mita: Our focus will remain on supporting the implementation of key EU legislation, particularly in cybersecurity and digitalisation. We will continue to advocate for balanced regulation, promote best practices, and strengthen the role of safety and security in broader societal discussions such as sustainability and resilience. Above all, Euralarm will continue to position itself as a trusted voice—bringing expertise, clarity and leadership to a rapidly evolving landscape.

We are already well positioned in our vertical markets, and the next step is expanding our ecosystem — bringing in new partners who want to grow with us, not just buy from us. Our mission, together with our key vendors, is clear: to keep acting as an innovation enabler. That means delivering real technical expertise, strong local presence, and a shared business development approach.

By: Damir Muharemovic; E-mail: editorial@asadria.com

 a&s Adria: Can you please present yourself to our readers, with an emphasys on your professional career and role at Aikom International?

Peica: I gained my previous work experience by working in various companies across the private sector, public enterprises, and the field of IT distribution. I graduated from the Faculty of Organization and Informatics in Varaždin, and I began my professional career as a network engineer at the system integrator company ECS, where I gained significant experience in telecommunications, IT security, and system integration in general.

With the goal of further professional development in telecommunications and security technologies, I continued my career in the public sector, where I had the opportunity to work and learn as an engineer on the latest technologies. Over time, I developed a strong interest in presales activities and realized that IT distribution is the segment of the industry where I could further develop these skills, which encouraged me to consider a new career direction.

I then joined Ingram Micro, one of the world’s largest distributors of premium IT brands. I started my career there as a Cisco presales engineer and was soon given the opportunity to move into sales, where I worked on market development for vendors such as Cambium Networks, with whom I continue to collaborate closely in my new company.

My role at Aikom marked a new chapter in my professional career, which began in June 2022 with the launch of the Aikom International project, the international branch of the parent company Aikom Technology from Italy.

As the headquarters of the newly established company is in Zagreb, its primary mission is to develop business outside the Italian market, including the Adriatic region, Greece, Cyprus, Turkmenistan, and Turkey. I currently serve as Sales Director, and my team is based in several countries, which allows us to stay close to our partners and better understand local markets.

a&s Adria: Aikom positions itself as a value-added distributor rather than a traditional box mover. What does “value-added” mean in practical terms for your partners and customers?

Peica: For us, “value-added” means bringing value to every single phase of a project: from the initial consultation to long after implementation. Pre-sales and post-sales support are at the core of our approach: we listen, plan, and design tailored solutions to enable mutual growth.

We go beyond simply supplying technology. We provide high-performance products, but also financial tools, co-marketing initiatives and strategic support that help our partners’ ideas take flight and turn into concrete business opportunities.

To the value of the brands we represent, Aikom Technology adds the value of specialization (built over years of industry experience) the value of strong, trusted relationships with vendors and the value of financial stability. This last aspect allows us to guarantee flexibility and continuity in operations.

a&s Adria: In which countries is Aikom currently active, and what are the main challenges of distributing security and safety technologies across the Adriatic region?

Peica: Aikom Technology is headquartered in Italy, where we have built a solid and trusted presence over the past 20 years. Our experience in the Italian market has allowed us to develop deep expertise, long-standing relationships and a strong reputation as a reliable value-added distributor.

In recent years, we’ve initiated a structured internationalization process that has expanded our distribution operations to Adriatic-Balkan region, but also some other countries like Greece, Cyprus, Turkmenistan and Turkey.

Entering these new markets is both exciting and challenging. Each country presents unique regulatory frameworks, business cultures and infrastructure maturity levels. One of the main challenges is adapting our support and consulting services to different market dynamics, while maintaining the same high standards that distinguish us in Italy.

That’s why we invest in building local relationships, understanding the specific needs of each territory and offering solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also operationally and commercially aligned with the realities on the ground. Our goal is to become a strategic partner in each of these countries, just as we are in Italy.

 a&s Adria: How has the role of the security distributor changed in recent years?

Peica: The role of the security distributor has evolved significantly, moving far beyond simple product supply. Today, a distributor must act as an enabler of innovation, a consultant and a trusted partner in increasingly complex and integrated ecosystems.

 In recent years, we’ve seen a growing demand for tailored, scalable and interoperable solutions.This requires distributors to invest in technical expertise, pre-sales engineering and post-sales support. It’s no longer enough to offer a wide product portfolio, what matters is the ability to guide integrators and partners through solution design, system integration, regulatory compliance and even project financing or marketing.

The Main Market Drivers

a&s Adria: Which security and safety product categories are currently seeing the strongest demand in the Southeast Europe and why?

Peica: We are seeing strong demand for professional radio solutions, particularly in environments where reliable and secure communication is essential. The main drivers come from sectors such as utilities, transportation, public safety, and critical infrastructure, where organizations are upgrading legacy radio systems and looking for more flexible platforms that can support voice, data, and video on a single network. There is also a growing focus on resilience, security, and uninterrupted operations, especially as networks become more closely integrated with IT and operational systems.

a&s Adria: What do you consider the most critical factors for doing business successfully in the security equipment sector today?

Peica: Doing business successfully in the security equipment sector today comes down to a few essentials. Trust and long-term relationships matter most, because customers need partners they can rely on. Proven, high-quality technology is critical, especially in environments where security really matters. Strong technical know-how and support help turn products into real solutions, not just boxes. Finally, a deep understanding of local markets, regulations, and customer needs — combined with the ability to adapt quickly — often makes the difference between winning and losing a project.

a&s Adria: Many of the solutions in your portfolio are deployed in mission-critical environments. Beyond product supply, how does Aikom support integrators and end users through project support, expertise, and ensuring long-term system reliability?

Peica: Our support begins well before any product is delivered. We collaborate with system integrators during the design and planning phases to analyze needs, mitigate risks, and define robust architectures. This includes feasibility assessments, compatibility checks and guidance in the selection of certified solutions that meet industry standards and regulations.

Once the project is operational, our involvement continues through dedicated post-sales services: firmware and software update advisories, troubleshooting support and direct liaison with manufacturers to ensure fast, effective escalation paths when needed.

We also invest in long-term system sustainability. This means training technical teams, offering lifecycle management strategies and providing access to demo labs and field test programs to validate solutions before deployment.

a&s Adria: How do customer needs and project requirements influence the way you structure and evolve your portfolio? Can you share a practical example?

Peica: Aikom does not maintain a static portfolio; instead, it continuously adapts in line with specific project requirements and the evolving needs of the channel. This approach is guided by structured market analysis and continuous engagement with channel partners and end customers.

The insights gathered through this process enable us to strategically expand or specialize our offering. This includes the development of vertical solutions for sectors such as enterprise networking, smart cities, logistics, and oil & gas, as well as the careful selection of highly innovative technology vendors capable of addressing clearly identified market gaps.

We are frequently requested to deliver complete, end-to-end solutions for specific projects. For example, in smart city deployments, municipalities may require full crossroad management systems that integrate all necessary technologies into a cohesive solution. Leveraging our portfolio, we can provide surveillance cameras, power supply solutions, and connectivity infrastructure as a unified offering.

This integrated approach significantly simplifies the procurement and solution design process for our partners, enabling them to gather the required technical components efficiently and present a comprehensive, competitive proposal to their end customers with speed and confidence. 

a&s Adria: Professional radio communications are a significant part of your portfolio. How do you see their role evolving alongside IP video, data networks, and software-driven security platforms?

Peica: Today, radios are no longer isolated voice tools. They are becoming fully integrated components of broader digital ecosystems, interoperating seamlessly with IP video surveillance, data networks and advanced security platforms. The convergence of voice, video and data is enabling a new level of situational awareness, faster decision-making, and more effective emergency response.

Solutions like WAVE PTX by Motorola Solutions are a clear example: they combine push-to-talk functionality with broadband connectivity and cloud-based management, allowing teams to communicate across different devices (radios, smartphones, dispatch consoles) and from anywhere in the world.

In this context, the radio becomes part of a wider orchestration of technologies — where every element (audio, video, data, analytics) contributes to a unified and intelligent response system.

At Aikom, we strongly believe that the future of professional communication lies in this integration: secure, real-time, multi-modal communication networks that empower both security forces and commercial operators to act faster, smarter, and with greater coordination.

Our Goal Is to Build a Coherent Ecosystem

a&s Adria: How do you ensure that the brands and product categories in your portfolio complement each other rather than overlap or compete?

Peica: From day one, we’ve focused on quality over quantity. Our strategy has never been to stack brands — it’s to build a coherent, high-value ecosystem.

We design our portfolio so technologies are complementary by architecture, positioning, and target market. Voice, video, wireless, and networking are not separate area for us — they’re building blocks of one integrated solution. That approach allows our partners to develop complete projects instead of pushing standalone products.

Our ecosystem mindset puts us in a position to offer true end-to-end solutions. And when the customer sees a 360-degree infrastructure — integrated, scalable, future-proof — the conversation shifts from cost to investment.

Take a complex environment like an airport for example. Once a client invests in mission-critical radio communication, the long-term value naturally extends to video surveillance, wireless infrastructure, and data networking — ideally within the same technological framework or vendor ecosystem. That continuity creates operational efficiency, easier integration, and long-term loyalty.

We avoid internal competition by design. Every brand has a clear role, a clear positioning, and a defined market space. The result is synergy, not overlap — and stronger business for everyone in the chain.

a&s Adria: Looking ahead, what technology trends do you expect to have the greatest impact on the physical security and safety market over the next three to five years?

Peica: For us, safety and security is inseparable from voice, video, and data technologies. That convergence is our core playground — and where we move fast and with confidence.

The biggest impact over the next three to five years will come from AI-driven analytics, edge computing, and full integration across platforms. AI is no longer a buzzword — it’s already embedded in many of the solutions we bring to market. From intelligent video analytics and real-time threat detection to predictive maintenance and automated incident response, AI is turning security systems into proactive decision-making tools.

We’re also seeing a strong push toward unified architectures — where access control, video surveillance, networking, and communication systems are fully integrated over IP infrastructure. Cybersecurity will be non-negotiable, especially as physical and digital security continue to merge.

Everything currently in our portfolio is aligned with this direction. We’ve already invested in vendors and technologies that are AI-enabled, scalable, and ready for enterprise-grade environments. So we’re not waiting for the trend — we’re already positioned on it.

Our focus over the next few years is clear: strengthen our voice-video-data ecosystem, support our channel with high-value, intelligent solutions, and stay ahead of the curve by driving innovation, not just following it.

a&s Adria: What can we expect from Aikom in the upcoming years?

Peica: I can expect strong organic growth. We are already well positioned in our vertical markets, and the next step is expanding our ecosystem — bringing in new partners who want to grow with us, not just buy from us.

Our mission, together with our key vendors, is clear: to keep acting as an innovation enabler. That means delivering real technical expertise, strong local presence, and a shared business development approach. We don’t just distribute products — we build markets.

We will continue investing on the ground. After opening our Zagreb office to cover the Adriatic region, Greece, and Cyprus, we expanded further with our Istanbul branch to accelerate growth in the Turkish market. These are strategic moves — not symbolic ones. We invest where we see long-term potential.

In the coming years, you’ll see Aikom becoming even more structured, more international, and more focused on high-value solutions in voice, video, and data. Growth, stronger partnerships, and deeper market penetration — that’s the roadmap.

Operators of critical infrastructure and public authorities need to know exactly how a system works, how data is processed, and how updates are managed. Full control over development and production gives us the ability to guarantee system integrity, long-term support, and compliance with European safety and data protection standards. In the end, this control is not a matter of convenience—it is a prerequisite for dependable, mission-critical performance.

By: Nermin Kabahija; E-mail: editorial@asadria.com

a&s Adria: Mr. Fiessler, to begin with, could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers? What is your professional background and the career path that led you to IQ Technologies for Earth and Space?

Fiessler: My name is Thomas Fiessler and I am responsible for global sales of our leading early wildfire detection system IQ FireWatch at IQ Technologies for Earth and Space GmbH for many years now. My professional background is rooted in international technology sales and business development, with a strong focus on safety-critical solutions. I work closely with public authorities, with selected international distribution partners and industrial customers to translate complex detection technologies into reliable, operational systems.

Wildfires pose an increasing risk to critical infrastructure such as power grids, transport corridors, and industrial sites. At IQ Technologies, my role is to develop customer-specific early detection concepts that enable fast situational awareness, protect critical assets, and integrate seamlessly into existing security and command environments.

a&s Adria: The company has a long tradition and a strong technical heritage. How would you briefly present IQ Technologies for Earth and Space and the key areas in which you operate today?

Fiessler: IQ Technologies for Earth and Space GmbH, formerly known as IQ wireless GmbH, is headquartered in Berlin and was founded in 1999. With a team of over 50 highly specialized employees, the company continuously develops, manufactures, and tests advanced hardware and software solutions at its Berlin headquarters. This end-to-end approach allows us to respond flexibly to customer requirements while maintaining exceptionally high quality standards.

Today, the company operates in two distinct business divisions: IQ FireWatch and IQ spacecom. IQ spacecom focuses on high-performance radio communication solutions for small satellites, including CubeSats. These systems provide efficient broadband data communication for scientific missions, Earth observation, remote sensing, and communication applications. Our hardware platforms are qualified for long-term operation in Low Earth Orbit and can be rapidly adapted to customer-specific mission requirements.

IQ FireWatch, on the other hand, provides the globally leading system for early wildfire detection. Based on multispectral optical sensors and highly sophisticated software, the system detects smoke and smoke-like phenomena in real time over large areas. Originally developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), IQ FireWatch has become a benchmark for reliable, automated wildfire detection worldwide.

a&s Adria: Your company develops and produces both software and hardware in Germany, which is relatively rare in today’s global economy. How important is it to have full control over development and production processes, especially when it comes to critical safety systems?

Fiessler: For safety-critical systems, such as early wildfire detection, full control over hardware and software development is absolutely essential. By developing both hardware and software in-house, we ensure consistent quality standards, cybersecurity by design, and full traceability across the entire system lifecycle. This allows us to react quickly to new operational requirements, regulatory changes, or emerging threat scenarios without dependency on external suppliers or opaque development chains.

Equally important is trust. Operators of critical infrastructure and public authorities need to know exactly how a system works, how data is processed, and how updates are managed. Full control over development and production gives us the ability to guarantee system integrity, long-term support, and compliance with European safety and data protection standards. In the end, this control is not a matter of convenience—it is a prerequisite for dependable, mission-critical performance.

This understanding dates back to the very origins of IQ FireWatch. In the 1990s, the German Aerospace Center evaluated satellite-based approaches for wildfire detection and concluded that they were unsuitable for time-critical early detection. Instead, optical sensors and detection software originally developed for space missions—such as imaging gas clouds during ESA’s Rosetta mission—proved far more effective when adapted for ground-based use. This marked the birth of what later became IQ FireWatch.

IQ FireWatch was subsequently developed as a dedicated solution to address the real-world challenge of detecting fires as early and reliably as possible. A good example of why this matters can be found in Germany’s State of Brandenburg, which experiences the highest number of wildfires nationwide due to its sandy soils, low rainfall, and large pine forest areas. These demanding environmental conditions made it clear early on that existing, generic technologies would not be sufficient. What was required was a purpose-built system, developed from the ground up for continuous, time-critical operation.

In its earliest form, IQ FireWatch relied on a high-resolution monochrome sensor capable of detecting smoke plumes at very long distances. This alone already represented a major technological leap compared to manual lookout towers. However, continuous development quickly became a core principle. A near-infrared (NIR) sensor was added to enable reliable smoke detection during nighttime, significantly extending the system’s operational availability. In 2017, a third sensor for high-quality color imaging was integrated, allowing even better differentiation between real smoke and visually similar phenomena such as clouds, fog, or dust.

Generational Development of Sensors
a&s Adria: Which technologies does IQ FireWatch rely on today?

Fiessler: Today, IQ FireWatch is in its seventh hardware generation. The combination of monochrome, color, and near-infrared sensors—optionally complemented by a thermal infrared sensor—creates a multispectral system that delivers highly precise detection over large distances. Equally important is the software evolution. From the outset, the system relied on feature-based algorithms that were continuously refined over many years of operational use. In 2021, after extensive testing phases, a new generation of smoke detection software was introduced. It combines the well-proven feature-based algorithms with artificial intelligence, resulting in an exceptional detection rate while keeping false alarms to a minimum.

This long-term, generation-by-generation development process is only possible because all core competencies remain within the company. It is the reason why IQ FireWatch has maintained an exceptionally high quality standard for more than 25 years and why customers worldwide rely on the system for the protection of people, nature and property.

a&s Adria: Your portfolio is particularly marked by two divisions — IQ FireWatch and IQ Spacecom. Could you explain how such different but complementary technologies related to the safety of Earth and space came to be developed?

Fiessler: The company originally emerged from radio communication technology, and from this foundation two distinct business models evolved independently over time. While the application areas differ significantly—Earth-based safety systems on one side and satellite communications on the other—both divisions operate in highly specialized, technology-driven markets where reliability and performance are paramount.

Our location in Berlin-Adlershof, one of Germany’s most important science and technology hubs, has played a key role in this development. The close proximity to research institutions and high-tech companies has fostered innovation and created strong technological synergies. Many engineering principles—such as system robustness, signal processing, and qualification standards—apply equally to space and terrestrial systems.

a&s Adria: IQ FireWatch has become a globally recognized early fire-detection technology. You are actually pioneers in this field. Could you describe how your optical, multispectral system works and what makes it more reliable than other approaches, including AI cameras, drones, or satellite monitoring?

Fiessler: That is true. IQ FireWatch is a ground-based, multispectral optical detection system designed for continuous, automated monitoring of large areas. Each sensor unit is mounted on existing structures, such as radio masts or lookout towers. The installed unit performs a full, 360-degree rotation every four to six minutes, capturing images at fixed positions.

These images are processed in real time by the aforementioned advanced software. Each sensor unit can monitor a radius of up to 20 kilometers under all weather conditions, and in clear summer conditions even significantly beyond that. When smoke is detected, an alert is transmitted to the control center, where trained operators verify the event before initiating an alarm to the fire brigades.

What makes IQ FireWatch particularly reliable is the long-term optimization of both hardware and software and their well proven interplay. Unlike off-the-shelf camera systems, our sensors are specifically designed for smoke detection and have been refined over seven hardware generations. While new technologies may be valuable additions, they require years of operational experience before reaching the reliability needed for safety-critical deployment.

Satellite-based systems, for example, can deliver valuable data for fire analysis, monitoring, and forecasting. However, due to their orbit, sensor resolution, and the resulting data processing delays, they are inherently unsuited for time-critical early detection. Satellites and drones are ultimately only carrier platforms, thus the effectiveness of detection always depends on the sensor technology used. Thanks to our own expertise in satellite communications, we can realistically assess what is technically feasible in this field.

Gas sensors can only cover very small areas and must therefore be deployed in large numbers. In addition, alarms triggered by gas sensors cannot be visually verified, which can lead to unnecessary emergency responses. Drones and aircraft serve as mobile, reactive assets. They can provide valuable additional information and assist in situational assessment, but they do not replace a permanent monitoring platform.

For these reasons, ground-based optical systems offer the best price-performance ratio in early wildfire detection. Complementary technologies can add value during or after a fire—for example in damage assessment, post-fire monitoring, or redundant surveillance of particularly critical sites—but they cannot replace a continuously operating, automated early detection system. It is important to add that cost-effectiveness in forest fire prevention does not result from low acquisition costs, but from precise detection, long lifespan and moderate follow-up costs. Technologies with low detection frequencies or high error rates lead to delayed fire detection and thus to damage that far exceeds the initial savings.

Lastly and most importantly: Early wildfire detection systems must meet stringent requirements. They must continuously monitor predefined areas for wildfires, detect fires within 15 minutes, enable immediate alarm verification, and send quick, informative, error-free alerts. Currently, only terrestrial optical smoke sensors, such as IQ FireWatch, fulfill these requirements.

a&s Adria: Your equipment — such as the XLink SDR platform, patch antennas, and the GbE space-switch — is intended for small satellites, including CubeSat configurations. Can you explain how the concept of developing such a compact, “space-qualified, low-SWaP” communication system at IQ Spacecom emerged, and why this approach is essential for modern small satellites and the New Space industry?

Fiessler: The New Space industry has fundamentally changed satellite design. Missions today demand compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient systems without compromising reliability. IQ spacecom responded early to this trend by developing space-qualified communication platforms that minimize size, weight, and power consumption while maintaining high performance and flexibility.

Our Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms, antennas, and GbE space switch were designed from the outset to support modularity and adaptability. This allows customers to tailor communication systems precisely to their mission profiles, whether for Earth observation, scientific experiments, or IoT applications in orbit.

a&s Adria: Also, what type of power supply does IQ FireWatch use, given that installations are often located in uninhabited or remote areas?

Fiessler: IQ FireWatch systems are typically powered by grid electricity. However, for remote or inaccessible locations, autonomous, solar-powered solutions are also available and have proven reliable in long-term operation. The system is designed to be highly energy-efficient, ensuring very low power consumption.

a&s Adria: In what ways does your experience in space and radio technologies influence the development of your terrestrial systems, particularly in terms of safety, reliability, and large-area coverage?

Fiessler: The quality standards in space technology are extremely high. Satellites must be tested exhaustively because failures are irreversible and costly. This mindset directly benefits IQ FireWatch. The same rigor in testing, qualification, and system design ensures exceptional reliability and long service life for our terrestrial systems.

Space Technology Hall of Fame

a&s Adria: Could you share more information with our readers about your research processes and your cooperation with institutions such as the German Aerospace Center (DLR)? You have also been included in NASA’s “Hall of Fame.”

Fiessler: As previously mentioned, the IQ FireWatch technology originated from the German Aerospace Center (DLR). We have valued our cooperation with them and many other research institutions ever since.

What marked another milestone in our history was the year 2012, when our IQ FireWatch technology was inducted into the U.S. Space Technology Hall of Fame by the Space Foundation, which works closely with NASA, ESA, and other leading space organizations. It was the first non-American technology to receive this recognition, highlighting its significance as an outstanding example of space technology improving life on Earth. That made us particularly proud.

a&s Adria: You emphasize the component of sustainability and environmental protection in your work. How does your technology contribute to environmental safety and climate resilience, especially in the context of increasing wildfires across Europe and worldwide?

Fiessler: Effective wildfire management is based on three closely interlinked pillars: prevention, early detection, and rapid suppression. All three are essential, and none can fully compensate for the absence of the others. Once a fire starts, time is the most critical resource. Fires that are detected and addressed in their very early phases can often be extinguished with minimal effort, preventing large-scale destruction. Rapid, precise alerts allow emergency services to respond faster, deploy resources more efficiently, and significantly reduce risks for firefighters. In the context of climate change and increasing wildfire frequency worldwide, this integrated approach is essential to protect people, nature and property.

a&s Adria: Can you present some of the case studies in which you used your fire alarm technology?

Fiessler: IQ FireWatch has been deployed on four continents. Installations range from Patagonia in southern Chile to large-scale monitoring projects in Argentina and Colombia, where parts of the Amazon rainforest are safeguarded. In the United States, our systems operate in California, e.g. in Napa Valley. In Europe, we protect the UNESCO World Heritage region of Sintra in Portugal, as well as sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Lithuania, just to name some examples. In Central Asia, our systems function reliably in Kazakhstan under extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +40°C. In addition to these global examples, we have 200 installations in eight German federal states.

a&s Adria: Finally, could you tell us what we can expect in the future — what innovations or evolutions do you plan in the fields of satellite communications, optical sensors, and early fire detection?

Fiessler: We continuously refine our detection algorithms and sensor technology to further improve performance across diverse terrains. While IQ FireWatch was originally developed for large forest areas, the demand is growing for protecting critical infrastructure such as railways, ports, and industrial facilities. We are adapting our technology accordingly, simplifying the system and expanding application areas, always with the same focus on reliability, safety, and long-term sustainability.