The role and effectiveness of MALE-class unmanned aerial vehicles in combating forest fires in Turkey within the framework of the new public management approach

The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires due to climate change necessitates a comprehensive reassessment of wildfire management policies in Türkiye. This study aims to examine the roles and effectiveness of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in wildfire management in Turkey, across the pre-fire, active fire, and post-fire phases, from a public administration perspective and within the framework of the New Public Management approach. In addition, Complex Systems Theory is employed to analyze the dynamic nature of disaster management, while the Integrated Wildfire Management model is utilized to conceptualize the multi-phase structure of wildfire governance. These technologies, which support the development of a flexible, adaptive, and multi-actor disaster management system, offer more prepared, data-driven, and effective response capacities against disasters. Accordingly, the main research question of this study is: How are MALE UAVs contributing to the multi-phase wildfire management processes in Türkiye, and what are the administrative, technical, and strategic dimensions of these contributions? The increasing risk posed by wildfires has intensified the need for faster, safer, and data-oriented response methods; in this context, UAV technologies have emerged as strategic tools in disaster management. The study utilizes descriptive and thematic analysis techniques to evaluate data collected through in-depth interviews with personnel from the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) and the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). Conducted using a qualitative research design, the study reveals that MALE UAVs undertake multiple critical functions, including early detection of wildfires, monitoring fire spread, enhancing decision support processes, supporting evacuation planning, and conducting post-fire damage assessment. The findings demonstrate that these systems possess both operational and strategic value, due to their ability to remain airborne for extended periods, scan large areas with high-resolution imagery, and operate in hazardous zones without requiring human intervention. However, the study also identifies several technical and institutional challenges that limit the effectiveness of UAVs, such as airspace coordination issues, disruptions in image transmission, insufficient data sharing, and lack of institutional experience. This research concludes that MALE UAVs are strategic tools with tactical, institutional, and governance-oriented transformative capacity. In line with this, the study presents integrated policy recommendations involving technological investment, data-driven decision systems, ethical governance principles, and international cooperation. Furthermore, the use of these systems in training processes, the formation of institutional memory, and the development of decision support mechanisms is highlighted as one of the study's original contributions to the literature. Keywords: MALE Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Wildfire Management, New Public Management, Integrated Wildfire Management, Complex Systems Theory