Drones 5 July 2025 - 21 July 2025

Poland enforces EU drone regulations through its Civil Aviation Authority, requiring operator registration for drones 250 g or heavier or with cameras, with fines up to 10,000 PLN for violations. Open category drones must stay below 120 meters, within visual line of sight, and follow strict distance rules from people and airports. Remote ID is mandatory from January 2024, including retrofits for older drones. No distinction is made between recreational and commercial use.

Ukraine deployed 117 FPV drones from inside Russia on June 1, 2025, damaging 41 aircraft across four airbases; President Zelensky claimed about 34% of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet was hit. By 2025, Ukraine had around 500 domestic drone manufacturers and aimed to produce four million drones per year. China blocked UAV exports to Ukraine while supplying drone parts to Russia. Drones caused about 70% of battlefield losses for both sides.

Malaysia requires a CAAM Authorisation To Fly (ATF) permit for every drone flight as of early 2025. Drones over 20 kg are banned unless specially authorized. Permit fees start at RM250, with a pay-as-you-fly model expected by late 2025. Foreign tourists must secure CAAM permits in advance, with state approvals sometimes needed.

Hong Kong’s drone rules, fully enforced since December 2022, classify drones by weight and risk, with Category A1 (under 250 g) largely exempt from registration. Category A2 (250 g–7 kg) and Category B (7–25 kg) require registration and training, with Category B needing CAD permission. No-fly zones include areas near airports and Disneyland. Penalties reach HK$100,000 and 2 years’ jail. Amendments for larger drones and BVLOS trials were proposed in 2025.