Ho Chi Minh City plans trial of drones for rescue operations, delivery services

The initiative forms part of the city’s progress update on the implementation of Resolution 57 of the Politburo and the government’s Resolution 71, which outline breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

A key priority for the coming years is the development of a low-altitude economy, referring to manned or unmanned aviation services at low elevations, from 2025 to 2030, with a vision toward 2045.

Under the plan, the southern metropolis will open controlled testing spaces where new technologies and management systems for unmanned aircraft can be safely trialed.

These zones will simplify procedures related to flight management and licensing, enabling innovators to conduct experiments more efficiently.

The city also intends to boost research and development activities focused on UAV design and manufacturing in a bid to master core technologies such as hardware, software, infrastructure, and management systems needed to support widespread UAV deployment.

A wide range of applications will be explored during the trial phase, including smart agriculture, security and urban surveillance, cargo transport and delivery, emergency relief, rescue and disaster response, and passenger transport using flying cars or air motorcycles.

To accelerate progress, Ho Chi Minh City has urged the government to launch a national scheme dedicated to developing the low-altitude economy.