New UK Drone and Model Aircraft Rules from January 2026: What Operators Need to Know

30/12/2025

From 1 January 2026, several important regulatory changes will come into force affecting drone and model aircraft operators across the UK. These updates form part of a wider effort to modernise unmanned aircraft regulation, improve safety, and maintain public confidence as UK airspace becomes increasingly busy.

This article summarises the key changes, what they mean in practice, and how operators should prepare.

What's Changing?

✈️ Class Marks and New Product Standards

New UK class marks and product standards will be introduced for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). These markings make it clearer what an aircraft is capable of and where it can be flown.

For operators, this is a positive development:

Class-marked aircraft will be subject to simpler operational rules
Greater operational flexibility for compliant aircraft
Easier identification of permitted use cases

🌙 Green Flashing Light for Night Flying

If you operate a drone or model aircraft at night, it must:

Be fitted with a green flashing light
Have the light switched on during night operations

This requirement improves visibility for other airspace users and enforcement bodies, reducing the risk of incidents during low-light operations.

🪪 Flyer ID for Aircraft Over 100g

Anyone flying a drone or model aircraft weighing 100g or more will be required to:

Pass the official competency test
Hold a valid Flyer ID

This change broadens the scope of pilot competency requirements and reinforces the importance of baseline knowledge for all operators, not just commercial users.

📡 Remote ID Requirements

Remote identification is a significant step forward in airspace safety and accountability.

From 1 January 2026:
All UK class-marked drones (UK1, UK2, UK3, UK5 and UK6) must broadcast the Operator's Remote ID and associated information during flight.
From 1 January 2028:
This requirement will extend to:
- Legacy (non-class-marked) drones
- Model aircraft
- Privately built drones

Remote ID allows authorities to identify aircraft in flight and supports safer integration of drones into shared airspace.

🛡️ CAA Becomes the UK UAS Market Surveillance Authority

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will assume a new role as the UK's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Market Surveillance Authority (MSA).

This means the CAA will:

Check that UAS products placed on the UK market meet required safety standards
Take enforcement action where non-compliant products are identified
Help ensure unsafe or misleadingly marketed drones are removed from circulation

Why This Matters

As drone technology advances and airspace usage increases, regulation must evolve to keep pace. These changes aim to:

Improve airspace safety
Strengthen public trust in drone operations
Support the long-term growth of the UK unmanned aviation sector

For professional operators, trainers, inspectors, and certification professionals, early awareness and preparation are essential.

Next Steps for Operators and Professionals

Review whether your current or planned aircraft will require class marking
Ensure night-flying equipment meets the new visibility requirements
Confirm competency and registration arrangements for all relevant pilots
Begin planning for Remote ID compliance, particularly for legacy fleets

The CAA has updated its website with detailed guidance for stakeholders on each of these changes, and further transitional information is expected as implementation dates approach.

ITICP will continue to monitor regulatory developments in aviation, testing, inspection, and certification, ensuring professionals remain informed, competent, and compliant.