Drones could soon play a bigger role in the UK’s public services, including supporting the NHS and emergency responders, following a £20 million government funding announcement.
The Department for Transport confirmed new investment aimed at expanding the everyday use of drones to deliver medical supplies, assist police forces, survey critical infrastructure, and provide operational support for firefighters and paramedics. The funding is intended to help integrate new flight technologies into essential services more widely and reliably.
Aviation Minister Mike Kane said the move would help build "the most advanced aviation technology ecosystem in the world," allowing innovation to be used in practical ways to reduce emissions, ease congestion, and improve service delivery.
The funding supports the government’s broader Plan for Change, which aims to unlock growth by modernising regulation and enabling new technologies to be adopted more quickly. A key focus will be making it easier for public sector organisations to use drones, through reforms led by the newly created Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Plans include requiring drones and other aircraft to electronically broadcast their location - improving safety standards and simplifying approvals for drone flights, particularly for public services operating near airports or in populated areas.
Science Minister Lord Vallance said: "Updating the rules will make drone operations safer and quicker to approve, making it easier to use drones for important tasks like delivering medical supplies for the NHS. It’s a practical change that supports the safe expansion of new technologies."
Emergency services are also set to benefit from measures that would speed up airspace changes and simplify the process of gaining permission for operational drone use, helping them respond more effectively to critical incidents.
Alongside healthcare and emergency response, drones could be used for infrastructure inspections and local deliveries, helping public sector organisations to operate more efficiently and sustainably.
The government is also establishing the Future of Flight Industry Group, bringing together aviation regulators, drone manufacturers, operators and local authorities to advise on how new aviation technologies can be introduced safely and effectively.
The bulk of the £20 million investment will go to the Civil Aviation Authority to develop the systems and regulations needed to allow drones to operate beyond the line of sight and, eventually, to support wider use of flying taxi services.