Singapore is set to launch a comprehensive drone Remote ID network, covering the entire land area of the island nation. As part of the initiative, 50 drone tracking sensors will be deployed by the end of 2024.
The pilot phase, led by UK-based airspace management company Drone Defence Services, involves the installation of three AeroSentry Zero drone detection sensors at trial sites. This phase will demonstrate the technical viability of the wide-area sensor network.
Following the successful pilot, the project will progress to phase one, which will focus on deploying multiple Remote ID sensors across Singapore's southern region. Phase two will cover the northern part of the country, while phase three will encompass the central area. Metropolitan Wireless International, a telecom company, is collaborating on the project.
Drone Defence Services will combine ground-based infrastructure with its cloud-based airspace monitoring system, AeroTracker, to display any noticeable drone activity to authorized personnel. To ensure the accuracy of the Remote ID sensors, the company will leverage its FAA-approved real-time drone transponder, AeroPing.
Richard Gill, CEO and founder of Drone Defence, highlights the extensive coverage provided by the AeroSentry Zero sensor network, which spans the city-state's 720 sq km area. Gill explains that the Remote ID network will not only identify and track conspicuous drones but also offer data and analytics for Unmanned Aircraft Traffic Management (UTM) systems. This data will provide insights into drone flight paths, trends, and areas to avoid for flight corridors.
Gill also suggests that services like FoodPanda's "PANDAFLY" could utilize this data for inter-island food drone deliveries, which are currently being trialed.
Singapore maintains a strict stance on drone intrusions. Recently, a Chinese student was fined $3,500 for taking drone photos of his girlfriend at Nanyang Technological University. In a separate incident last year, a Singaporean man received a hefty fine of $37,000 for illegally flying a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom near a military airbase. The implementation of the wide-area Remote ID network aims to enhance airspace security and mitigate such unauthorized drone activities.
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