To promote the use of drones in the country, a new project called “The Project for Development of Drone Usage Environment” will begin later this year. Under the project, the National Drone Strategy will be reviewed, and existing regulations will be amended. The Record of Discussions was signed in the capital yesterday.
Currently, drone operations in the country are restricted, requiring prior approval under the country’s civil aviation regulations.
Officials said the new project promises to lay the groundwork for integrating drone technology into key sectors while ensuring public safety and regulatory clarity.
The project will run for two years and three months, starting this September.
It will focus on reviewing and updating the country’s National Drone Strategy, assessing and amending drone regulations, testing use of drone for selected purposes, and establishing foundational services for safe operations of drones.
The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport in collaboration with JICA.
Yoichiro Kimata, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency said “This project is a kind of fundamental base for the operation of drones in Bhutan. So, that is why we try to revise the strategy, and also amend the regulation itself. By amending the regulation, the operation and utilisation of drones can be expanded.”
The country already has a National Drone Strategy developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. However, this time, it will be reviewed and updated with the help of eight international experts.
As of last year, there are nearly 280 drones registered with Civil Aviation Authority.
Kinley Bidha
Edited by Tshering Zam
