Unmanned Air Systems

The Department for Transport keeps the regulatory framework governing the use of uncrewed aircraft under regular review to ensure it remains proportionate, effective and fit for purpose, including in residential areas.

Following a review of the UK’s drone regulatory framework, new drones weighing 250g or more are required, from 1 January 2026, to be equipped with direct remote identification before being placed on the market. From 2028, remote identification will be mandatory for all drones over 250g and all drones with cameras over 100g.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) authorises drone operations and, in doing so, takes account of the location of flights, including considerations of ground risk.

Operating a drone with a camera, regardless of its weight, requires registration of the drone by its operator. The operator must also follow the Drone and Model Aircraft Code, published by the CAA, which emphasises the need to protect people’s privacy. Those using drones for photography are subject to the standard data protection regulations.

On 5 May, the Government announced an investment of £20.5m in a world-leading Hybrid Remote ID system to meet future security and airspace needs and improve traceability and accountability of drone operations. This will allow authorised authorities to identify and track drones and their operators in real time and access historic records to tackle illegal and unsafe drone use. We are also introducing enhanced identity verification by linking drone registration records to verified real-world identities.