Developing UAS and dual-use technologies
Guidance for organisations developing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and related technologies that may have both civil and defence applications.
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) are transforming how aviation capability is developed, tested and deployed.
Many emerging technologies, from autonomy and resilient navigation to advanced communications and airspace integration services, have clear applications across both civil and defence sectors. As development cycles become increasingly agile, organisations are seeking greater flexibility to test and mature these capabilities while generating evidence that supports future operational approvals, regulatory acceptance and, where appropriate, defence adoption.
This document was written to bring together existing policy and guidance from the CAA, and aims to help industry navigate the available civil regulatory pathways for UAS development, testing and evaluation. It explains how existing frameworks can support safe innovation, and evidence gathering, while maintaining appropriate levels of regulatory oversight.
Most importantly it recognises that the value of testing extends beyond demonstrating a capability in flight; it is about generating robust evidence that informs future operations, supports policy development and helps unlock the next generation of uncrewed aviation capability.