Da Nang launches 24/7 patrols with anti-UAV guns to curb illegal flights

The command on Wednesday afternoon convened a conference to assign tasks for deploying forces to patrol, monitor, detect, and handle drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles operating in the city’s airspace.

Colonel Tran Quang Chanh, deputy commander and chief of staff of the command, chaired the meeting.

The conference followed the temporary seizure of a drone by the Military Command of Hoa Khanh Ward after a man flew it into a no-fly zone near Da Nang International Airport earlier this week, raising serious aviation safety concerns.

At the meeting, participants were briefed on recent UAV activities and assessed potential risks to aviation safety, national defense, and local security.

Under the plan, the municipal military command will maintain daily patrol and control teams and conduct continuous monitoring at observation stations, ensuring 24/7 readiness and the ability to promptly mobilize forces upon detecting illegal flying objects.

Military commands of wards and communes, along with the civil defense commands of Cam Le and Dien Ban Wards, will establish specialized patrol units.

These units are equipped with anti-UAV guns and will coordinate closely with police and other competent forces to detect, prevent, and handle violations.

All units are required to submit daily reports to the municipal military command.

Patrol efforts will focus on areas hosting large public events, entertainment venues, scenic spots, key national defense and security zones, as well as designated no-fly and restricted airspace areas.

At the same time, the city’s military command will step up communication campaigns on the Law on People’s Air Defense and related regulations governing the management and use of UAVs to enhance legal awareness and compliance among organizations, agencies, service providers, and the public.

Officials said illegal UAV activity in Da Nang has become increasingly complex, particularly in coastal areas and residential neighborhoods located near restricted zones and flight safety corridors.

On February 22, Da Nang International Airport reported three separate drone intrusions during the Tet holiday, forcing 49 flights to delay take-offs and landings.

Under Government Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, violations of regulations on UAV management are subject to administrative fines of up to VND40 million (US$1,530), along with possible confiscation of the equipment.