Promulgating regulations on management of drones and other flying vehicles

The Decree consists of 8 chapters and 35 articles, detailing and guiding the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on People's Air Defense related to import, export, temporary import for re-export, temporary export for re-import, as well as research, manufacture, testing, production, repair, maintenance and trading of aircraft, engines, propellers, equipment of unmanned aircraft and other flying vehicles.

In addition, the Decree also stipulates conditions for registration, exploitation, use and granting of control licenses, along with requirements to ensure safety and security in flight operations.

The scope of application includes Vietnamese and foreign agencies, organizations and individuals with activities related to drones and other flying vehicles in Vietnam.

According to the Decree, to register an aircraft, the owner must have documents proving legal ownership, including an import license, customs declaration, or valid invoices, decisions, or transfer documents as prescribed by law. The aircraft must meet the standards and technical regulations issued or recognized by the Ministry of National Defense .

In case the aircraft is self-assembled or manufactured before the Decree takes effect, it must be inspected, evaluated and issued a Certificate of Technical Condition by a legal entity recognized by a competent authority, accompanied by documents proving ownership or a commitment to take responsibility for the legality of the aircraft to be considered for registration or temporary registration. Aircraft registered for the first time in Vietnam must have confirmation from the customs authority or recognized manufacturing unit.

This regulation does not apply to aircraft of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security .

Aircraft may only be operated with a valid Certificate of Registration or Temporary Registration. The operator must be at least 18 years of age, in good health, and have no alcohol, drugs or prohibited substances in his or her blood or breath.

Notably, the operator of a vehicle with a maximum take-off weight of 0.25 kg or more must have a Visual Observation Flight Control License. In case of controlling an aircraft weighing 2 kg or more, flying beyond visual sight or according to a pre-set program via the control center, he/she must have a Instrument Observation Flight Control License issued by a competent authority or an international certificate recognized by the Ministry of National Defense.

Operators of two or more aircraft at the same time must demonstrate that the technological system ensures flight safety and stable operation, as clearly stated in the equipment specifications. Light performances, flying formations, and writing formations in the air must be agreed or approved by the competent authority.

For foreigners operating aircraft in Vietnam, in addition to the general conditions, they must have a sponsor from a Vietnamese unit, organization or individual. Flight operations in prohibited areas are only licensed for official duties, ensuring national defense, security, flight safety and social order.

Decree No. 288/2025/ND-CP takes effect from November 5, 2025.

vneconomy.vn

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/ban-hanh-quy-dinh-quan-ly-tau-bay-khong-nguoi-lai-va-phuong-tien-bay-khac-post886348.html