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UK Approves Flight Paths for Long-Range Drones Over Critical Infrastructure

UK Approves Flight Paths for Long-Range Drones Over Critical Infrastructure

UK Approves Flight Paths for Long-Range Drones Over Critical Infrastructure

The United Kingdom has taken a bold step into the future of unmanned flight. In a landmark decision, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved Operational Authority for Drone Major Group to conduct long-range Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights over the country’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).

This marks the first time such flights have been authorised in non-segregated airspace, putting the UK firmly on the global map as a frontrunner in next-generation drone technology.

Drones Take to the Skies Over Railways

Initially, this breakthrough enables Drone Major’s aircraft to operate above Britain’s railway networks, with a keen focus on enhancing safety, improving operational efficiency, and reducing maintenance costs. The first test site will span a 12km stretch between Wolverhampton and Sandwell & Dudley Station, supported and funded by Network Rail.

What makes this even more compelling is the potential to transform how railways are patrolled, monitored and maintained. With the ability to fly autonomously over active tracks, these drones could offer a significant boost to rail security and reliability.

Robert Garbett, CEO and Founder of Drone Major Group, sees the milestone as a pivotal moment: “The CAA’s approval of operational authority for trials of BVLOS flights marks a landmark moment for the drone industry. This milestone opens up new opportunities to unlock and transform the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure, especially in densely built environments where traditional methods often fall short.”

Digital Tethering

At the heart of the operation lies Drone Major’s proprietary “Digital Tethering™” technology. This system mimics the structured flight path of commercial aircraft, effectively creating a digital corridor for drone movement. It’s a virtual leash of sorts, offering real-time positioning and monitoring without the need for continuous GPS/GNSS signals – a critical feature when flying in challenging environments.

This innovation ensures that the drones stay within a pre-defined safety zone, minimising risk to those on the ground and allowing operators to oversee missions with pinpoint accuracy. The system’s layered design includes both onboard navigation and ground-based control mechanisms, creating a robust and resilient autonomous flight network.

Digital Tethering™ has already been trialled successfully along the Severn Valley Railway and the corridors surrounding Wolverhampton station. These tests have shown that the drones can deliver real-time surveillance and rapid trespasser detection, potentially reducing service disruptions and saving lives.

Unlocking Wider Potential Across the Infrastructure Spectrum

While the railway trials mark the starting point, the implications stretch far wider. Critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, utilities, national defence, border security and telecommunications all stand to gain from the introduction of long-range BVLOS operations.

Drone Major is already gearing up to run similar trials across additional sectors. By demonstrating safe and scalable operations in complex environments, they’re opening the door for wide adoption of autonomous aerial surveillance and inspection.

Sophie O’Sullivan, Director of Future of Flight at the UK CAA, commented: “We’re working with companies to make drone operations beyond visual line of sight a safe and everyday reality, contributing to the modernisation of UK airspace and enabling new technology into our skies.”

She added: “By supporting projects ranging from critical infrastructure inspections to consumer deliveries, we are gathering essential data to shape future policies and regulations, and support the growth of the aerospace industry.”

What is BVLOS and Why It Matters

BVLOS refers to drone operations conducted beyond the pilot’s line of sight. Traditionally, most commercial drones have been limited to Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) use, requiring operators to keep the aircraft in direct view.

BVLOS dramatically expands the scope of drone applications, enabling autonomous or semi-autonomous systems to cover vast distances, respond faster to incidents, and monitor hard-to-reach areas without endangering human operators.

With proper safeguards, such as Digital Tethering™ and robust airspace management, BVLOS flights could become an integral part of modern infrastructure maintenance and emergency response strategies.

Reinventing Railway Maintenance and Surveillance

Network Rail’s involvement in the project is no coincidence. Britain’s rail network faces constant challenges with trespassing, infrastructure degradation and inspection-related delays. Drones offer a smart, cost-effective alternative to manual patrols and helicopter flyovers.

Initial estimates suggest millions in potential savings annually if the technology is rolled out at scale. These drones are designed to detect trespassers, conduct detailed inspections and relay live video back to control centres, all while operating autonomously.

The safety corridor approach ensures drones fly only within mapped paths, reducing interference with manned aviation and ground activities. Should the pilot need to intervene, the Digital Tethering™ system provides real-time control and positional awareness.

Who Are Drone Major?

Drone Major Group isn’t just a drone supplier – they’re a consultancy, strategist and systems integrator all rolled into one. With a global network of partners and suppliers, the company advises civilian and defence clients across every domain: air, land, sea and even space.

Their key advantage lies in connecting high-level advisory with hands-on implementation, allowing clients to harness drone capabilities efficiently and securely. For critical national infrastructure clients, that means faster deployment, stronger safety protocols, and tailored operational models.

A Regulatory Turning Point

This CAA approval doesn’t just open up one flight corridor – it marks a broader shift in UK aviation policy. By allowing long-range drone operations in shared airspace, the regulator is making space for advanced drone services to evolve from experimental to operational.

It’s a decision that sends a message to drone developers and infrastructure providers alike: the UK is ready to lead the way.

As Garbett summed it up: “It sets a new benchmark for safety and efficiency, positioning the UK as a world leader in drone innovation while also unlocking innovation to support UK plc.”

Eyes on the Skies

What’s next? More trials, wider applications, and potentially, a new class of infrastructure service altogether. From inspecting offshore wind farms to monitoring power grids, the ripple effect of this regulatory breakthrough could redefine how critical services are protected and maintained.

Given the global interest in scalable drone operations, the UK’s success here could trigger similar frameworks across Europe and beyond. With robust infrastructure, a supportive regulatory environment, and leading innovators at the helm, the UK is poised to remain at the forefront of the drone revolution.

“We’re just scratching the surface,” Garbett remarked. And judging by this week’s developments, the skies are anything but the limit.

UK Approves Flight Paths for Long-Range Drones Over Critical Infrastructure

About The Author

Anthony brings a wealth of global experience to his role as Managing Editor of Highways.Today. With an extensive career spanning several decades in the construction industry, Anthony has worked on diverse projects across continents, gaining valuable insights and expertise in highway construction, infrastructure development, and innovative engineering solutions. His international experience equips him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the highways industry.

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