ERA-GLONASS Drone ID Could Ease Russian Flight Restrictions

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. Drones identification via the ERA-GLONASS infosystem could pave the way for a gradual easing of flight restrictions in Russian regions, Maxim Chizhov, the Board Chairman of Kitoglav company engaged in the production and operation of agricultural drones, told TASS.

"Such transparency is precisely what is needed for a gradual transition from case-by-case permits and restrictions to broader industrial applications of drones, in agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, forestry, aerial photography, and logistics. The more operators will work in good faith within a clear and controlled digital environment, the more grounds will be for easing flight restrictions on unmanned aerial systems in the regions," he said.

The requirement for a verified connection to the system when submitting a flight plan integrates aircraft identification, operator accountability, and airspace use planning into a single digital environment, Chizhov said.

"For drone owners compliant with the law, this is not an additional formality but a tool that confirms the legality of the flight and makes operating in the airspace more predictable. In turn, for government authorities and regulatory agencies, identification provides a transparent picture of who is flying, where, and on what legal grounds," he noted.

More than 1,000 users have connected to the system, with over 1,200 drones registered. The users pool includes around 750 legal entities, including 50 drone airlines. The system underwent testing across 40 regions before its launch, allowing its performance to be checked under various conditions and drone application scenarios.

Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Transport said that drone flight plans would only be accepted if connected to the ERA-GLONASS system since October 1.