- British jobs, innovation, and long-term economic growth will
be supported by £26 million to bring drones
and air taxis to UK skies faster.
- Nearly £20.5 million committed to develop numberplate ID
system for drones - helping police better protect UK skies and
prosecute illegal users.
- Plans will cut red tape and boost the UK's next-generation
aviation technologies, estimated to contribute up to £103 billion
to the UK economy over the next 25 years.
Drone deliveries, flying taxis and smarter emergency services
could be a step closer to use in UK skies, as the Government
awards almost £50 million
to unlock growth in the drone and
advanced air mobility sector, today (5th May 2026).
Part of the £46.5 million investment will also see a crackdown on
“faceless” drones, which can be used in suspicious or illegal
activity, through the first bespoke drone identification system.
The measures will make it easier for police to identify illegal
or nuisance users and clear the way for legitimate drone
operators.
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 electric flying
taxis – into more routine use across the UK.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, , 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 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.”
Security Minister, , said:
“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 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
people can access even when they're not
nearby and recording historic data.
The funding also includes £26.5m
to drive smarter regulation and cut red tape – making
it easier for drones to be used in everyday
public services, and driving 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 get
flying taxis in the sky from 2028. Drone
operators will also benefit from a
streamlined digital application process, reducing the
time required to navigate regulation
and prepare applications.
The Government is clear that regulation must support
growth, with a focus on faster, more predictable
approvals and a better experience for operators,
while maintaining the UK's high safety
standards.
Today's announcement is part of the UK Government's broader
ambition to maintain and expand the country's position
as an aviation superpower – including work
to strengthen UK research and innovation, ensuring
high-growth sectors such as robotics and AI have
the support they need to thrive.
This follows other commitments to accelerate airspace
modernisation, invest £2.3bn in the
development of green aircraft, and provide £63 million support
for sustainable aviation fuel.
Sophie O'Sullivan, Director Future Safety &
Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said:
“Our work going on right now 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 bringing economic growth for the
UK.”
Stuart Simpson, CEO of 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.
“This investment is a further step towards positioning the UK at
the leading edge of the eVTOL sector moves towards commercial
operations.”
Stephen Wright, Chairman and Founder of 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.
"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.
"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
maintaining the highest standards of safety.”
