Vaccine Delivery by Drone Flights

The Government of India is providing a conditional exemption for experimental drone flights for vaccine delivery as part of a constant endeavor to enhance the scope of drone usage in the country and assist the nation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Exemption from Unmanned Aircraft System {UAS) Rules, 2021 has been granted as part of government’s constant endeavour to enhance the scope of drone usage in the country and assist the nation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last month, the Government of Telangana was granted conditional exemption for conducting experimental delivery of Covid-19 vaccines within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Range using drones.

To accelerate the drone deployment process to formulate application-based models, the grant has been extended to Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). The trials may commence by end of May 2021.

This exemption shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of approval of the SOP or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Earlier this month, 20 consortia were also granted permission to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) experimental flights of drones. BVLOS trials will help create the regulatory framework for drone deliveries and other major applications.