Industry Insights – November 2025 – #learnwithDIAS
#LearnWithDIAS Quarterly Update on Swiss Drone Regulations and Airspace
Dear DIAS Community,
Welcome to the first Industry Insights #LearnWithDIAS update.
This quarterly update summarises the latest developments shaping Switzerland’s drone industry — from regulation and compliance to airspace management and international cooperation.
These updates support the continued growth of a safe, innovative, and globally connected drone ecosystem in Switzerland.
If you have relevant updates to share for future editions, please contact us at info@droneindustry.ch.
1) FOCA and UK CAA cooperation on drones and airspace modernisation
Date: 10 June 2025
Switzerland and the UK signed a Letter of Intent to expand cooperation on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) development and airspace modernisation policies.
👉 Read more
What this means for the Swiss drone industry:
This partnership strengthens cross-border regulatory alignment and data exchange. It may lead to future mutual recognition of operational standards — opening pathways for Swiss drone technology and software exports to the UK and EU markets.
2) Tourist and foreign-operator drone rules clarified
Date: 2 June 2025
Switzerland has clarified drone operation rules for visitors.
- All camera-equipped drones must be registered before flight.
- EU-registered operators do not need to re-register; their EU certificates are recognised.
- Non-EU visitors must register with FOCA before flying in Switzerland.
- Insurance covering at least CHF 1 million is mandatory for drones ≥ 250 g, and recommended for lighter drones.
What this means for the Swiss drone industry:
This update strengthens Switzerland’s clear, harmonised framework for cross-border drone operations. Local operators, resellers, and tourism partners should ensure visiting pilots understand these requirements, particularly regarding registration and insurance, to maintain safe and compliant operations across Switzerland.
3) Drone operator registration guidance updated (dLIS)
Date: 22 July 2025
FOCA updated its registration guidance, reminding all drone operators to register via the dLIS platform and ensure each aircraft is properly marked.
👉 Read more
What this means for the Swiss drone industry:
Compliance remains central to safe operations. Integrating registration and verification tools within management systems will simplify operator workflows and strengthen accountability across the ecosystem.
4) Swiss regulatory framework for UAV plant-protection operations
Date: 12 August 2025
A FOCA-hosted scientific paper outlines Switzerland’s process for authorising UAV-based plant-protection (spraying) flights within the specific category.
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What this means for the Swiss drone industry:
Agricultural applications are gaining maturity and regulatory recognition. This provides clear guidance for manufacturers, operators, and researchers developing drone-based agricultural or environmental solutions.
5) Skyguide update on nationwide digital authorisations (U-Space evolution)
Date: 28 October 2025
Skyguide announced updates to its digital flight-planning and authorisation system, expanding coverage across Switzerland as part of the U-Space rollout.
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What this means for the Swiss drone industry:
Full U-Space implementation is progressing steadily. Drone operators and software developers should prepare for real-time integration with Skyguide’s digital authorisation APIs.
6) Swiss Army accelerates counter-drone procurement
Date: 3 October 2025
The Swiss Army is fast-tracking procurement of counter-UAS systems following a rise in drone sightings near military installations.
👉 Read more
What this means for the Swiss drone industry:
The increased focus on airspace security could lead to more dynamic flight restrictions near sensitive zones. It also opens opportunities for Swiss companies specialising in drone detection, security, and defence technologies.
Stay connected
DIAS will continue to share quarterly insights under the #LearnWithDIAS initiative, helping our community stay informed, compliant, and competitive.
If your organisation has updates, research, or events to feature, please reach out to info@droneindustry.ch.