The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has announced today (November 12) that, with effect from December 1, 2025, all uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) weighing above 250g will need to be equipped with Broadcast Remote Identification (B-RID).
CAAS has made two exceptions. First, where the operator of the UAS has been granted an operator permit and is using the FlyItSafe mobile application when operating the UAS. Second, where the UAS is operated indoors or in an enclosed environment.
The new identification requirement, which has already been implemented in the United States since September 2023 and in Europe since January 2024, is intended to boost aviation, public safety and security in Singapore as UAS use continues to grow.
CAAS notes that the majority of new UAS on the market and more than half of UAS registered with the authority in 2024 are already equipped with built-in B-RID modules. In December 2024, CAAS will publish a list of UAS models and B-RID modules that will meet the new B-RID requirement. Owners of existing UAS can check the CAAS website to ascertain whether their UAS is already B-RID compliant and can continue to be used after 1 December 2025.
“Owners of existing UAS that are not equipped with B-RID will have one year to comply with the requirement, by installing a B-RID module on their UA when it is flown,” CAAS states. To help these owners, CAAS will fully cover the cost of the B-RID module unit, inclusive of installation, as long as these owners apply to CAAS for the free B-RID module through the CAAS website between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025.
To qualify for this assistance, the UAS weighing above 250g must not have built-in B-RID capability and must be registered with CAAS by 31 December 2024. The application for the free B-RID module must be made by the person or organisation who registered the UAS. Those that do not apply between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025 will have to procure a compliant B-RID module and bear all applicable costs on their own.
CAAS’ decision follows a public consultation exercise on the implementation of the B-RID requirement from 2 September 2024 to 1 October 2024. The authority received over 230 responses, most of which were supportive of the proposed implementation of B-RID to enhance public and aviation safety and security, and CAAS’ plan to provide free B-RID modules for those who need it. Some respondents suggested for the B-RID module to be transferable across UAS instead of tagging the module to each system. CAAS says it has considered this suggestion and will allow a B-RID module to be transferred from one registered UA to another. This will benefit users with multiple UAS.
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