The future of UAV delivery in Ho Chi Minh City

(NLĐO) - Recently, Ho Chi Minh City has continuously conducted trials of delivery services using UAVs, creating a foundation for the widespread application of this model in the future.

During the inaugural flight of a postal delivery service using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) connecting Can Gio commune and Vung Tau ward (Ho Chi Minh City) recently, a UAV belonging to CT UAV Joint Stock Company carried a package from Vietnam Post Corporation.

This package weighs 2 kg and was carried by a UAV on a journey of over 12 km/way between Can Gio and Vung Tau in 15 minutes.

It is estimated that this method is about 6 times more efficient than road transport and 3 times more efficient than water transport.

This is not the first time Ho Chi Minh City has experimented with UAV delivery. Previously, in November 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, in coordination with the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park (SHTP), conducted test flights within the High-Tech Park (narrow area, short flight path).

By January 2026, the pilot program will be further expanded with the participation of technology companies (Saolatek, Real-time Robotics Vietnam, Di Dong Viet).

As part of the testing, two flight scenarios were implemented to verify the capabilities of automated operation and real-time monitoring.

CT UAV, carrying a 2 kg payload, departed from Can Gio, crossed the sea, and headed straight to Vung Tau.

The UAV developed by Saolatek transported an iPhone 17 over a distance of approximately 200 meters with the entire process automated. Subsequently, the UAV from Real-time Robotics Vietnam executed a multi-point delivery scenario covering a total distance of over 400 meters.

Representing Vietnam Post, Mr. Nguyen Nhu Thuan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, stated that they will continue to coordinate with relevant authorities to complete the necessary documents, procedures, and conditions for operating UAVs for delivery services. Currently, no commercial fees are being charged on a large scale.

Dr. Luong Viet Quoc, founder and CEO of Real-time Robotics (RtR) Joint Stock Company, believes that the attention and guidance of Ho Chi Minh City leaders are crucial factors in promoting the development of the UAV industry.

However, the economic challenge remains significant if applying urban delivery. Currently, a delivery by motorbike within the city takes about 2-3 hours, costs around 50,000 VND, and can be delivered directly to the recipient, even in narrow alleys. Meanwhile, UAVs struggle to simultaneously meet the requirements of low cost, fast delivery time, and accurate delivery in complex infrastructure conditions.

"However, for specific routes like Can Gio - Vung Tau, where travel time by road can take 2-3 hours, UAVs shorten it to about 15 minutes, creating a clear advantage in emergency transport situations," shared Dr. Luong Viet Quoc.

According to assessments from participating units and experts, Ho Chi Minh City's intensified testing of UAVs is an important preparatory step for future commercialization.

Initially, this technology may be suitable for specialized areas such as seaports, specialized cargo transportation, or applications in emergency relief and rescue on a large scale in Ho Chi Minh City as well as throughout the country.

Mr. Pham Huynh Quang Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, said that he hopes to continue receiving the attention and guidance of the city's leaders, the close coordination of departments, agencies, and localities, and especially the strong support from the business community to jointly expand advanced technology application models and create new growth drivers.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/tuong-lai-giao-hang-bang-uav-tai-tphcm-196260220102649723.htm