Drones News 1 July 2025 - 16 July 2025

Norway adheres to EU drone rules since 2021, applying the Open, Specific, and Certified categories uniformly to recreational and commercial operations. In the Open category, drones must weigh under 25 kg, be kept in visual line of sight, and not exceed 120 meters above ground, with a possible exception to fly up to 15 meters above a structure taller than 120 meters if the owner consents. Drones over 250 g must maintain minimum distances from people and property, typically 30 meters from others and 150 meters from residential or commercial areas unless the drone has a class marker. Night operations

Greece implements the EU Drone Regulation 2019/947 and 2019/945, effective end of 2020, using Open, Specific, and Certified risk-based categories. The Open category allows drones under 25 kg to fly up to 120 meters and in visual line-of-sight with no prior authorization if the rules are followed. Registration is required for drones over 250 g or with a camera, via the HCAA online system, with a single UAS Operator Registration Number that covers all drones and, for non-EU residents, registration must occur before flying; once registered in one EU country, it is valid across the EU. Pilots must hold the

Since January 1, 2021, Portugal adopted EU drone regulations (EU 2019/947 and 2019/945) under EASA, introducing Open/Specific/Certified categories. The Open category applies to drones under 25 kg operated within visual line of sight up to 120 meters altitude, with subcategories A1, A2, and A3 defining proximity to people. Operations that exceed Open limits—such as heavier drones, BVLOS, or night flights—fall into the Specific or Certified categories and require ANAC authorization after a risk assessment. Drone operator registration is mandatory for drones 250 grams or more or with cameras; you receive an operator ID valid for five years via the online

In Q3 2025 the global drone market faces significant supply-chain pressure from component shortages, tariffs, and logistics delays, with China historically dominating motor, ESC, battery, flight controller, camera, sensor, propeller, and carbon-fiber airframe production. After China tightened dual-use drone component exports in late 2024, infrared sensor exports fell by 30% and prices tripled, while U.S.-bound component volume dropped 60% and high-end infrared modules rose from $400–$500 to over $1,500. In April 2025 the United States imposed a 125% tariff on Chinese drone imports, pushing total import taxes to about 170% and lifting prices roughly 2.7x for many Chinese-made drones and

By 2021 Indonesia had four key drone regulations—Permenhub 34/2021, 63/2021, 37/2020, and 27/2021—covering airworthiness, operational rules, airspace procedures, and enforcement. Small drones (≤25 kg) can be used for recreational or commercial purposes without individual flight permits in some cases, but must follow CASR Part 107 rules, while large drones (>25 kg) require DGCA safety approval and CASR Part 22 airworthiness certification. All drones must be registered with the DGCA via the SIPUDI online system, with registration certificates valid for 3 years and requiring details such as drone make, model, serial number, weight, owner information, and proof of insurance. A Remote

Drone operator registration is mandatory in Austria via Austro Control’s Dronespace, with a typical fee of €30–32 and a registration valid for 3 years. The Drone License (Drohnenführerschein) includes an A1/A3 basic certificate and an A2 certificate; both are EU-wide and valid for 5 years after online training and exams. Drones under 250 g with no camera are exempt from licensing and registration, and since 12 August 2022, drones under 250 g flying below 30 m in Vienna’s restricted zones do not require an Austro Control permit. From 2024, EU rules require class labels (C0, C1, C2, etc.) and Remote