The 3rd Internal Affairs Drone Cup was held with the professional contribution of Széchenyi István University
The 3rd Internal Affairs Drone Cup was held on 15–16 September in cooperation with the Scientific Council for Internal Affairs, Cloudia Cloud for Intelligent Airspace Zrt., Széchenyi István University and Edutus University. A total of 28 law enforcement teams took part in the competition, with 14 teams advancing to the final. In addition to the professional competition, the event offered engaging programmes for young people focusing on emerging technologies and career orientation.
Realistic professional challenges, cutting-edge technologies, practical tasks and a strong focus on engaging the next generation characterised the 3rd Internal Affairs Drone Cup, held on 15–16 September at the Police Training Academy of the Police Education and Training Centre. The event was professionally implemented by the Scientific Council for Internal Affairs and Cloudia Cloud for Intelligent Airspace Zrt., with the professional contribution of Széchenyi István University and Edutus University.
Drone technology and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles have by now become important technological tools in modern policing, border protection and disaster management. The rapid development of the field is creating an increasing demand for professionals who can put the potential of advanced technologies at the service of everyday operations.
The 3rd Internal Affairs Drone Cup placed this practical approach at its centre: alongside demonstrating their theoretical knowledge, participants were also able to prove their preparedness in realistic practical tasks.
28 law enforcement teams put their skills to the test
The event was officially opened by Dr István Sabjanics, retired Police Brigadier General, Executive Vice-President of the Scientific Council for Internal Affairs. Speeches were also delivered by Antal Berki, Deputy State Secretary for National Security at the Ministry of Interior; Prof. Dr Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice-President for Science at Széchenyi István University; and Dr László Vigh, Vice-Rector for Science and International Affairs at Edutus University.
The qualifying round on 15 September brought together 28 teams representing law enforcement agencies. Following a theoretical test, the competitors demonstrated their skills in a series of practical tasks. Based on their performance, 14 teams advanced to the final held the following day.
Before carrying out the practical tasks, the finalists were required to prepare an operational plan and then implement it in practice. The competition therefore tested participants’ professional preparedness, technological knowledge, teamwork and problem-solving skills at the same time.
Békés County Police Headquarters takes first place
The podium finishers of the 3rd Internal Affairs Drone Cup were:
- 1st place: Békés County Police Headquarters
- 2nd place: Rapid Response Police – 22nd Operational Unit, Nyírbátor
- 3rd place: Somogy County Police Headquarters
The organisers congratulated all participating teams on their performance in the competition.
Innovation and career orientation also played an important role
In addition to the competition itself, this year’s Internal Affairs Drone Cup once again offered a broader professional programme. Participants and visitors could explore exhibitions related to drone technology, the drone ecosystem and other emerging technologies, as well as attend static and dynamic demonstrations.
The event also placed particular emphasis on engaging young people. Several career orientation stations were set up for secondary school students, offering an insight into the practical application of advanced technologies and various areas of law enforcement careers.
A new feature of this year’s programme was “Towards Tomorrow!” – Emerging Technologies, Scientific and Technical Career Orientation for the Next Generation, organised by the Hungarian Foundation for Science and Innovation Management.
The trophies awarded to the top-placed teams of the 3rd Internal Affairs Drone Cup. (Photo: László Vezda, Rapid Response Police.)
The role of universities in technological development
Researching, developing and teaching advanced technologies is of particular importance to Széchenyi István University. The University’s interdisciplinary approach enables knowledge from engineering, information technology and other fields to be brought together, allowing students to acquire the competences needed to contribute to shaping technological development and translating it into practical applications.
The 3rd Internal Affairs Drone Cup is an important practical example of this approach. The event provided an opportunity to test professional knowledge, gain practical experience, explore new technological solutions and support talent development.
At the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice-President for Science at Széchenyi István University, emphasised that the University was pleased to once again be part of this professional competition, which promotes innovation, technological development, practical knowledge and talent development alike. He also highlighted the increasingly important role of drone technology in reconnaissance, surveillance, disaster management, search and rescue operations, and specialised law enforcement activities.
The Rector also stressed the importance of engaging the younger generation, as today’s secondary school and university students may become the professionals who will work with drone technology, artificial intelligence and other advanced digital solutions in the future.
Broad-based professional cooperation
Numerous institutions and professional organisations contributed to the organisation of the 3rd Internal Affairs Drone Cup. The organisers expressed their gratitude to the participating teams, the young visitors and their accompanying teachers, as well as to all partners involved in the event.
Among the organisations contributing to and supporting the professional implementation of the event were Cloudia Cloud for Intelligent Airspace Zrt., Széchenyi István University, Edutus University, the HUN-REN Institute for Computer Science and Control (SZTAKI), Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Óbuda University, the Faculty of Law Enforcement of the University of Public Service, the Rapid Response Police, the Police Training Academy of the Police Education and Training Centre, and the National Directorate General for Disaster Management of the Ministry of Interior.
The 3rd Internal Affairs Drone Cup once again demonstrated how the practical application of advanced technologies, professional cooperation and career orientation for young people can complement and reinforce one another. The event also provided participants with an opportunity to test their knowledge in realistic conditions, while giving the professionals of the future a tangible insight into the opportunities offered by rapidly developing technologies.
Photo: László Vezda, Rapid Response Police.
The Internal Affairs Drone Cup will continue next year.
