CAAS Launches Public Consultation on Proposed Implementation Plan to Support Introduction of Broadcast Remote Identification Requirement for Unmanned Aircraft

2 September 2024

All Unmanned Aircraft (UA) weighing above 250g are required to be equipped with
Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID) with effect from 1 December 2025

              The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has launched a month-long public consultation exercise to seek public feedback on the proposed implementation plan to support the introduction of Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID) requirement for unmanned aircraft (UA) in Singapore. The public consultation exercise runs from 2 September through 1 October 2024. The feedback received will be considered in finalising the implementation plan.

2            With effect from 1 December 2025, CAAS will require all UA weighing above 250g to be equipped with Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID) except where a) the operator of the UA has been granted an Operator Permit and is using the FlyItSafe mobile application during the permitted UA operation; or b) the UA is operated indoors or in an enclosed environment. This move aims to further enhance aviation and public safety and security in Singapore.  

3            Both the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have similarly implemented B-RID requirements on UA in the United States of America and in Europe on 16 September 2023 and on 1 January 2024 respectively. Described as a “digital licence plate” for UA, B-RID leverages Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology to transmit information such as the UA’s position and serial number, the location of the UA operator, and the identification reference number of the operator. This allows UA in the skies to be identified for safety and security purposes.

4            With their potential to transform the way people live, work and play, UA activities in Singapore have gained much popularity over the years. Given Singapore's dense urban landscape and competing airspace uses, CAAS continues to facilitate the beneficial use of UA while ensuring aviation and public safety and security. The number of UA registered in Singapore has increased from 8,205 in December 2020 to 24,567 in July 2024.

5            Presently, majority of new UA in the market and more than half of UA registered with CAAS in 2024 are already equipped with built-in B-RID modules. Owners of existing UA that are not equipped with B-RID must comply with the new requirement from 1 December 2025, by installing a B-RID module on their UA when it is flown.

Proposed Implementation Plan

6            The B-RID requirement will be published in the Government Gazette in December 2024 and will come into effect on 1 December 2025. Owners of existing UA that are not equipped with B-RID will have one year to comply with the requirement. To facilitate the transition for affected UA users and support adoption of B-RID, CAAS plans to:

a.             Fully cover the cost of the B-RID module unit, inclusive of installation. Only those whose UA is not equipped with B-RID will be eligible for this support. To qualify, individuals with UA that are not equipped with B-RID must apply for a B-RID module between 1 January and 31 March 2025. UA users who do not submit an application to CAAS within this time will have to procure a compliant B-RID module and bear all applicable costs on their own. These modules are expected to cost between S$120 and S$250.

b.            Provide educational and guidance materials to UA users on the purchase of a UA or B-RID module and the necessary checks to ensure B-RID functionality so that UA users can purchase an appropriate B-RID module for their UA.

    7            Members of the public are invited to provide feedback and comments on the proposed implementation plan between 2 September and 1 October 2024 via the REACH website (https://go.gov.sg/feedbackcaasuasbrid). 

    About the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

    The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system, making a key contribution to Singapore's success. CAAS' roles are to oversee and promote safety in the aviation industry, develop the air hub and aviation industry, provide air navigation services, provide aviation training for human resource development, and contribute to the development of international civil aviation.

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