20-11-2023 (SINGAPORE) Effective from November 21, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) have announced a prohibition on cross-border unmanned aircraft (UA) operations unless an official permit has been issued.
This new regulatory framework supplements the existing regulations within Singapore, which were initially introduced in 2015, aiming to address the evolving challenges posed by unmanned aircraft. The authorities emphasize the need for enhanced control and monitoring as technological advancements have significantly improved the capabilities, flight distance, and endurance of UAs, allowing them to cover more extensive areas and carry larger payloads.
According to a joint statement by CAAS and SPF, any UA operator found engaging in cross-border operations without the requisite permit will face prosecution. Offenders may incur fines of up to $50,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
The authorities are granted the power to take down any unauthorized cross-border UAs, commonly known as drones. The stringent measures come in response to the global trend of UAs disrupting airport operations and being exploited for criminal activities, including smuggling and potential use in terror attacks.
The joint statement underlines the significance of these measures in maintaining public safety and security, citing instances of cross-border drug smuggling involving UAs witnessed in Singapore in 2020.
