Government determines to crack down on illegal drones

Delivered through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the funding will also cut red tape and support the regulatory, digital and security foundations needed to bring drones and advanced air mobility – such as the aforementioned electric flying taxis – into more routine use across the UK.

Keir Mather (Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation) said: “We’re backing the next generation of British aviation innovators with nearly £50 million to drive drone regulation reforms and unlock barriers to growth that will create jobs, lower emissions and further the UK’s world-leading aviation reputation. Innovation must go hand in hand with strong security. That’s why over half of our investment will develop a new identification system designed to track drones in real-time, supporting the Emergency Services and building public confidence in an industry that could be worth up to £103 billion by 2050.”

Security Minister Dan Jarvis added: “This funding will create a ‘numberplate’ system for the skies. Law enforcement will be able to identify and take action against those who break the law, taking drones out of the sky and protecting the public.”

Hybrid Remote ID

Hybrid Remote ID works by sending out the drone’s ID and location during flight so nearby devices can pick it up, sharing flight details through a secure online system that authorised individuals can access even when they’re not nearby and recording historic data.

The funding also includes £26.5 million to drive smarter regulation and cut red tape, in turn making it easier for drones to be used in everyday public services and drive economic growth across the UK.  

This includes speeding up approvals for drone operations for emergency responses, medical logistics and infrastructure inspection, driving forward regulation to have flying taxis in the sky from 2028. Drone operators will also benefit from a streamlined digital application process, reducing the time required to navigate regulations and prepare applications.

The Government is clear that regulation must support growth, with a focus on faster and more predictable approvals and a better experience for operators, while at the same time maintaining the UK’s high safety standards.

Laying the foundations

Sophie O’Sullivan, director of future safety and innovation at the CAA, explained: “Our work is laying the foundations for commercial operation in the future, unlocking routine drone deliveries, long-range inspections and hospital logistics. This vital funding supports the next generation of aerospace, strengthening safety and realising economic growth for the UK.”

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, commented: “This is a welcome investment in the sector by the Government. To lead in advanced air mobility requires a regulatory system that can move at pace, while in parallel maintaining the highest possible safety standards. The UK’s CAA has been a serious and constructive partner.”

Simpson added: “This investment is a further step towards positioning the UK at the leading edge of the eVTOL sector as it moves towards commercial operations.”

Significant step forward

Stephen Wright, chair and founder of Windracers, observed: “This is a significant step forward for the UK’s drone and advanced air mobility sector. Targeted investment alongside practical regulatory reform is exactly what’s needed to unlock real-world operations at scale.”

Wright continued: “At Windracers, we see first-hand how autonomous aviation can strengthen supply chains, support critical services and operate reliably in some of the most challenging environments.”

In conclusion, Wright noted: “We are proud to work alongside the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority as a trusted partner, helping to shape a regulatory environment that supports UK innovation, while always maintaining the highest standards of safety.”