Russia Implements Special Frequencies for UAV Voice Communications to Boost Civil Aviation Safety
In Russia, unmanned aerial vehicle operators are set to operate on dedicated radio frequencies to enable direct voice communication with aircraft and helicopter crews. Local media, including the newspaper News, reported this development as a significant step toward tighter coordination between manned and unmanned flight operations. The proposed scheme appears to be part of a broader program to streamline in-flight communication and reduce the potential for miscommunication between drone operators and air traffic services.
The communications plan, reportedly developed by the State Commission on Radio Frequencies, centers on a block of frequencies spanning 117 to 137 MHz. The objective of this initiative is twofold: to enhance the safety of civil aviation by ensuring real-time exchanges between pilots and UAV operators, and to facilitate joint flight operations where drones and manned aircraft share airspace. By establishing standardized voice channels, authorities aim to create a clearer, more reliable line of communication during critical phases of flight where coordination matters most.
Andrei Potemkin, the Deputy Director of the Federal Air Transport Agency, underscored the necessity of voice radio communications for maintaining effective air traffic control and overall flight safety. He noted that such a system would reduce the need for drone operators to seek special flight restrictions through time-consuming processes, potentially easing operational constraints and contributing to smoother multi-aircraft operations in busy air corridors.
Industry experts weighed in on the potential impact of the move, suggesting it could save drone operators from the burden of applying for temporary flight permissions or local flight modes before each operation. The practical implication is that drone operators might be able to plan missions with greater agility, provided their activities remain within the authorized airspace and comply with the updated procedures. In this context, operators would submit a flight plan at least 24 hours in advance, aligning UAV activities with standard aviation planning practices and offering a predictable framework for airspace managers and pilots alike.
In related security developments, authorities announced the deployment of SMS alert systems to warn about UAV-related emergencies in specific regions. Reports indicate that such alert mechanisms have already been implemented in the Kursk region, with additional regions potentially adopting similar measures to ensure timely notifications of incidents, interference, or other safety concerns involving unmanned aircraft. These alert services are part of a broader strategy to enhance situational awareness for both air traffic personnel and UAV operators, ensuring rapid responses when anomalies or safety events arise.
Earlier communications indicated similar considerations in other areas of the country, including regions like Buryatia, where authorities discussed the balancing act between enabling drone usage and maintaining robust safety controls. While such discussions continue, the overarching policy direction signals a willingness to integrate UAV operations more closely with established air traffic systems, provided appropriate safeguards and clear procedures are in place. This approach reflects a growing recognition of the role drones play in modern skies and the need for transparent, standardized practices that support safe coexistence with traditional aviation activities.
Analysts emphasize that the success of this frequency-based communication framework will depend on rigorous enforcement, robust training for UAV operators, and ongoing coordination with air traffic control services. As the aviation community monitors the rollout, stakeholders expect to see improvements in real-time decision-making, reduced delays caused by miscommunication, and a clearer delineation of responsibilities among pilots, drone operators, and air navigation service providers. The ultimate goal is a harmonized, safer aviation environment where technology and regulation work in concert to support expanding drone use while preserving the integrity of commercial air travel. [Cited: SCRF communication project, official releases, and regional safety advisories]