Press release

Fulda, 19/05/2025

23rd RETTmobil Exceeded All Expectations

On the third and final day of the 23rd RETTmobil, things really took off – quite literally: not only because thousands of visitors once again flocked to the exhibition grounds, but also because the Björn Steiger Foundation, in collaboration with the company MINTMASTERS, presented the drone hangar system RescueBeeHive.

At midday, in front of numerous onlookers, the pioneering system was introduced with a live demonstration. Experts explained the features and functionality of the Hive hangar, demonstrated the capabilities of the BOS high-performance drone TrueBuddy, and showcased the mission-specific and powerful integration of AI.

“Drones have been used in the BOS (authorities and organizations with security responsibilities) environment for quite some time – for example, for situational awareness during fires or accidents,” explained Joachim von Beesten, Managing Director for Research and Innovation at the Björn Steiger Foundation, which made its first appearance at RETTmobil. “However, our system takes a crucial step further: we position drones in stationary setups at strategically important locations so they can be deployed much more quickly in an emergency.” The Steiger Foundation sees potential use cases for the system in situational reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, water rescue, and crisis deployments.

Professor Dr. Roman Poseck, Hesse’s Minister of the Interior, for Security and Homeland Protection, used RETTmobil as an opportunity to learn about new developments in emergency services on-site. Numerous media representatives from print, radio, and television, both domestic and international, also came to Fulda to report on new trends.

“The international character of the event has increased noticeably,” observed trade fair manager Sandra Hommel-Liebich, referring both to exhibitors and attendees. The tense global security situation and the consequences of climate change are driving greater public awareness of civil protection topics. RETTmobil reflects this development.

The international leading trade fair for rescue and mobility has also established itself in professional circles as an ideal venue for accompanying meetings and conferences. For example, the members of the Stiftung Hilfe für Helfer (Help for Helpers Foundation) have used RETTmobil for years as an opportunity to gather and exchange ideas in Fulda. This time, the 25th anniversary of the initiative was celebrated. The heads of ASB, DRK, Johanniter, Malteser, the German Firefighters Association, and the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) also came together during the RETTmobil days to discuss current developments in emergency services and disaster relief.

The preliminary conclusion of the 23rd RETTmobil is overwhelmingly positive. With around 33,000 visitors and 507 exhibiting companies, the event exceeded all expectations. On Thursday, the crowds were so large that organizers considered temporarily closing the entrances. A long queue formed, particularly at the off-road course, which this time offered even more opportunities for on-site ride-alongs.

Exhibitors frequently reported very good discussions with key decision-makers in the industry, so that by the final day of the trade fair, more than half had already firmly booked their spot for next year. The professional program was also extremely well received overall. The practical workshops, for instance, were fully booked.

The 24th RETTmobil will take place from May 6–8, 2026, traditionally in Fulda.