Hong Kong Police to Deploy AI-Enhanced Drones Amid Broader Plans for Low-Altitude Economy
Image Credit: Goh Rhy Yan | Splash
Hong Kong's police force is exploring the integration of drones for routine patrols, leveraging artificial intelligence to analyze aerial imagery, according to the city's Security Secretary, Chris Tang. This initiative aligns with broader government intentions to relax current restrictions on drone operations within the region.
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Enhancing Regulatory Frameworks
During a statement on December 11, Secretary Tang revealed that discussions are underway to permit drones to navigate predetermined routes. This comes as authorities plan to amend the Small Unmanned Aircraft Order, which presently mandates that drone operators maintain visual contact with their aircraft throughout the flight, effectively banning "beyond-line-of-sight flying activities".
“To advance the governance of drone applications, the Transport and Logistics Bureau alongside the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) have initiated a review of existing civil aviation legislation”, Tang stated in response to inquiries from lawmakers. This review aims to modernize regulations to accommodate the evolving use of drones in various sectors.
Drones in Law Enforcement and Emergency Services
Drones have already been deployed in Hong Kong for diverse purposes, including crime detection, investigation, routine patrolling, rescue missions, and firefighting efforts. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, drones are stationed at known crime hotspots—particularly in remote or challenging terrains—to gather evidence and identify suspicious activities. Additionally, they play a critical role in firefighting by monitoring temperature fluctuations from above and aiding in the search for missing individuals in rugged landscapes.
The disciplined services in Hong Kong boast approximately 800 advanced drone operators certified by the CAD. The police established a specialized drone cadre in October, while the Fire Services Department has maintained a dedicated drone team since 2017. These advanced operators are authorized to fly drones weighing between seven to 25 kilograms, which is the current weight limit imposed in the city.
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Regulatory Adjustments and Future Legislation
Authorities plan to examine drone regulations and standards from regions such as mainland China, Australia, and Canada as part of their strategy to update local laws. The CAD is set to begin easing existing restrictions, with the Small Unmanned Aircraft Order proposed to be revised to include drones weighing from 25 to 150 kilograms. Additionally, the government is contemplating new legislation to govern drones exceeding 150 kilograms.
During a legislative session on Wednesday, lawmaker Tang Fei inquired about measures to prevent technical issues that have recently disrupted drone shows in Hong Kong. In October, a drone display was canceled due to significant ionospheric interference—a weather-related phenomenon impacting drone signal accuracy. Secretary Tang clarified that the use of drones by disciplined services typically involves only a few manually operated units, in contrast to large-scale shows that require precise coordination and are more susceptible to technical glitches.
Ensuring compliance with Hong Kong's privacy laws remains a priority as drone operations expand. Secretary Tang assured that all drone activities conducted by authorities would adhere strictly to existing privacy regulations to protect citizens' rights.
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Promoting a “Low-Altitude Economy”
Hong Kong is actively fostering the development of a "low-altitude economy", encompassing economic activities within airspace below 1,000 meters. Chief Executive John Lee announced the formation of a working group dedicated to advancing this sector. The group is expected to review and amend drone-related regulations and establish collaborative low-altitude air routes with mainland China, where drone usage is prevalent in sectors like entertainment and delivery services.
This strategic push aims to position Hong Kong as a leader in integrating drone technology into various facets of urban management and economic activities, enhancing both public safety and commercial opportunities.
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The Role of AI in Advancing Drone Technology
Although the Hong Kong government has provided limited information on how AI is specifically employed in drone operations, we can infer that it likely involves leveraging AI for advanced image analysis, route optimization, and autonomous navigation. Globally, AI is widely used in drones to detect patterns, identify objects of interest, and analyze vast amounts of aerial data in real time. It is plausible that similar applications are being explored in Hong Kong to enhance the effectiveness of drones in law enforcement, firefighting, and urban management.
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Global Adoption of Beyond Visual Line of Sight Drone Operations
Several countries have advanced regulations permitting Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations, enabling more extensive and efficient use of unmanned aerial systems.
United States: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted BVLOS waivers to various companies for operations such as infrastructure inspections and delivery services. However, these operations are subject to specific conditions and requirements under Part 107 rules.
United Kingdom: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has authorized BVLOS flights for specific applications, including infrastructure inspections and delivery trials. They have also published a roadmap targeting routine BVLOS operations by 2027.
Canada: Transport Canada permits BVLOS operations under specific conditions, particularly for commercial purposes like surveying and monitoring. They have proposed new regulations to support routine BVLOS operations.
European Union: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has developed guidelines to support safe BVLOS drone operations across member states. These guidelines aim to ensure the safe integration of BVLOS operations into various sectors.
Australia: The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) permits BVLOS operations under stringent conditions. Operators must obtain a remotely piloted aircraft operator's certificate (ReOC) and a remote pilot licence (RePL) with a pass in the Instrument Rating or BVLOS exam. CASA has developed standard scenarios to streamline the approval process for BVLOS operations in specific environments.
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Source: Hong Kong Free Press, Federal Aviation Administration, UK Civil Aviation Authority, Airport Technology, Canada Gazette, Flytbase, CASA
