Increasing Number of Drones and Drone Pilots in Turkey

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that the number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) increased by 12.5% in September compared to the same period last year, reaching 68,647. The number of drone pilots also rose by 6.6%, totaling 1,536,993.

Uraloğlu highlighted that due to recent training and efforts by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM), the number of individuals with UAV and pilot licenses has increased significantly.

Annual Registration of 5,000 to 8,000 New Drones

Uraloğlu noted SHGM has created a specialized registration system for these vehicles, facilitating permissions and registrations. He stated that 5,000 to 8,000 new drones register in this system each year.

He added that the use of UAVs is growing across various sectors, such as agricultural spraying, photography, cinema, mapping, traffic, security, parcel delivery, and healthcare.

Uraloğlu also emphasized the UAV Tracking and Traffic Management System Project, designed to ensure the seamless integration of these vehicles into existing airspace in a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly manner. He asserted, "This will eliminate safety and security issues posed by UAVs, as the project aims for all UAV operations in our country to be safely managed by SHGM without requiring additional equipment."