The real challenge of rebuilding Sri Lanka – I

The drone age is upon us, with accessible components and tools making unmanned systems more attainable than ever before. However, the challenge of creating reliable, safe, and legally compliant operational systems remains significant. The global drone race is intensifying, with new companies entering the market and major investments flowing into the sector.

Yet, building an aircraft and delivering a reliable operational capability, particularly in complex airspace, require expertise in aviation, engineering, command and control, safety, regulation, and understanding user needs. The pressure to reach the market quickly can lead to compromises in development and testing, increasing safety risks.

As artificial intelligence and autonomy advance in aviation, it is crucial to define where human involvement is required, who is accountable for decisions, and where the boundaries of autonomy lie. Ultimately, the winners in this race will not be those who build the fastest drone or secure the largest investment, but those who build a complete ecosystem of knowledge, resources, and operational experience.

Brief written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.