Taxpayer Funding will help develop a numberplate ID system for drones, helping police better protect UK skies and prosecute illegal users
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 in taxpayer-funding to unlock growth in the drone and advanced air mobility sector, today (5 May 2026).
Part of the £46.5 million taxpayer funded 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, Keir Mather, said:
Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:
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 are not nearby and recording historic data.
The funding also includes £26.5 million 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 regulations 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 £2.3 billion in the development of green aircraft and provide £63 million support for sustainable aviation fuel..
Sophie O’Sullivan, Director Future Safety and Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said:
Stephen Wright, Chairman and Founder of Windracers, said:
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