Drone incursion at Tan Son Nhat prompts crackdown on illegal UAV use

A recent drone intrusion at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City has prompted the Vietnamese government to tighten regulations on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and conduct a thorough investigation into any violations. Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc has issued directives to strengthen the management and oversight of UAVs, with the Ministry of Public Security leading the investigation and enforcing legal penalties for any breaches.

The government's response includes the Ministry of Public Security, National Defence, Construction, Finance, Industry and Trade, Science and Technology, and various provincial and municipal People's Committees. They are to work together to study and address recommendations from the press or propose solutions to appropriate authorities for matters beyond their jurisdiction.

The Ministry of Public Security will spearhead the investigation and rigorously handle any violations of UAV and other objects that have disrupted flight operations at airports and airfields. Simultaneously, the Ministry must swiftly develop countermeasures against illegal UAV use in critical areas, no-fly zones, and airports to prevent future incidents.

The Ministry of National Defence is responsible for enhancing management of domestic facilities that research, design, and manufacture UAVs. They will oversee UAV usage through flight permits and operator licenses. Authorities are also obligated to review and require registration from organizations and individuals owning UAVs, aiming for all domestic UAVs to be digitally identified, electronically licensed, and subject to real-time flight tracking by 2030.

To ensure compliance with airspace restrictions, the Ministry of National Defence will publicly announce UAV no-fly zones and review regulations governing UAV import and temporary import for re-export. The Ministry of Science and Technology will lead the development of technical standards for UAV manufacturing, repair, maintenance, and testing, as well as research and mandate integrated solutions—such as geofencing for no-fly zones—to prevent drones from entering restricted airspace.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc has also directed provincial and city People's Committees to instruct competent authorities to intensify inspections and reviews within their jurisdictions. They must identify organizations and individuals involved in unauthorized manufacturing, trading, ownership, or illegal use of UAVs and enforce strict penalties in accordance with regulations.