The UK government has committed £46.5 million to accelerate the introduction of drones and eVTOL aircraft, while funding a real-time identification system for drones.
The package provides £26.5 million (US$35.9 million) to streamline regulatory approvals through the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and £20.5 million (US$27.8 million) to develop the country’s first bespoke drone identification system.
The regulatory funding aims to speed up approvals for drone operations in emergency response, medical logistics and infrastructure inspection, and to support the framework needed to bring electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into commercial service from 2028. Drone operators will also gain access to a streamlined digital application process intended to reduce the time spent navigating regulation.
The 2028 commercial-service target aligns with the eVTOL Delivery Model that the CAA published in September 2025, which confirmed SC-VTOL as the certification basis and set out provisions for both day and night visual and instrument flight rules operations.
The £20.5 million enforcement element will fund a Hybrid Remote ID system that broadcasts a drone’s identity and location during flight. Nearby receivers pick up the signal, and authorised users access flight records through a secure online platform that retains historic data, enabling police to identify illegal or nuisance operators and prosecute offenders.
Aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister Keir Mather said, “Innovation must go hand in hand with strong security – that’s why over half of our investment will develop a new ID system to track drones in real-time, supporting emergency services and building public confidence in an industry that could be worth up to £103 billion by 2050.”
Stuart Simpson, CEO of UK-based eVTOL company Vertical Aerospace, said, “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 maintaining the highest safety standards. The UK’s CAA has been a serious and constructive partner.”
Stephen Wright, chairman and founder of drone company Windracers, said, “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 is needed to unlock real-world operations at scale.”
The funding follows other recent UK aviation commitments, including £2.3 billion for green aircraft development and £63 million for sustainable aviation fuel.
