Da Nang plans drone service trials across four areas
Public agencies would commission services from businesses, with at least three low-altitude flight applications planned from late 2026 to early 2028.
Da Nang is proposing four designated areas to test unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) under a draft programme aimed at developing its low-altitude economy. Potential applications include transporting cargo, supporting tourism and agriculture, managing urban areas and conducting rescue missions.
The proposed timetable envisages deploying at least three flight service applications from late 2026 to early 2028. According to the city's science and technology department, government bodies would commission companies to address practical needs, while providing infrastructure, shared data and policy arrangements.
Businesses would decide which technologies to use and would be responsible for operating the services and their commercial results, said Tran Ngoc Thach, the department's deputy director. He told Tuoi Tre the initiative was intended to open new markets and industries and contribute to Da Nang's double-digit economic growth target.
Thach said the city's varied landscape offered testing opportunities, while its transport facilities and technology zones could connect drone operations with services and manufacturing. Possible trials include deliveries over short distances, monitoring inaccessible locations and collecting information for urban management.
Experts consulted on the proposal urged cooperation between aviation, defence and security authorities. They also called for defined flight corridors, licensing rules, monitoring systems and clear responsibilities. The city hopes to draw companies into trials and prepare for investment in drone research, production, training and testing facilities serving central Vietnam.
