Task force established to detect and respond to UAVs at airports

The Vietnamese government has established specialized task forces to detect and respond to unauthorized drones at airports across the country. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) is collaborating with the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security to deploy these units, which will utilize advanced drone-detection systems.

The primary goal is to expedite response times following UAV detection, thereby reducing flight delays and disruptions nationwide. The task forces will operate in close coordination with local police and municipal authorities to ensure rapid operational responses.

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) is assessing early-detection surveillance systems to bolster the capabilities of these specialized units. In addition to technological advancements, authorities are emphasizing the importance of public awareness and stringent legal deterrents to prevent unauthorized drone operations. The CAAV has called on all drone owners and operators to strictly adhere to aviation safety regulations.

Under current Vietnamese law, UAV owners must register their equipment and obtain flight permits before operation. However, registration alone does not grant flight authorization; drones can only be flown with explicit permission from competent authorities and must operate within specified authorized zones, schedules, and altitude limits.

Violations of these regulations can lead to severe consequences, including administrative fines, confiscation of drones, suspension of flight operations, and remedial measures as prescribed by law. In cases where unauthorized drone entries obstruct flight operations or pose a serious threat to aviation safety, offenders may face criminal prosecution under relevant provisions of the Criminal Code.

Penalties for such offenses can range from fines and non-custodial reform to imprisonment, depending on the severity and ramifications of the violation.