International Standardization Activities
Bringing Japan’s Technology and Expertise to Global Standards
JUIDA actively participates in international rule-making to promote the sustainable development and global expansion of Japan’s drone industry.With the support of the International Standardization Division of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japanese Standards Association (JSA), JUIDA takes part in the ISO/TC 20/SC 16 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) committee under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and, since 2024, has been serving as the secretariat of the domestic committee.
The ISO/TC 20/SC 16 & SC 17 Joint Plenary Meeting will be held in Tokyo in November 2025.
- Title: ISO/TC 20/SC 16 & SC 17 Joint Plenary Meeting
- Dates: November 17 (Mon) - 21 (Fri), 2025
- Venue: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo Waterfront Campus
- Organizers: Japan UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA) / Blue Innovation Co., Ltd.
- Co-organizers: Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies (SJAC) / Japan UAV Association (JUAV) / Japan UTM Consortium (JUTM)
JUIDA is actively engaged in ISO/TC 20/SC 16 activities.
■About ISO
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international body that develops common global standards across industries and technologies.By defining globally unified rules and specifications, ISO helps eliminate regional differences, supports industrial development, enhances safety, and promotes smoother international transactions.
■Aerospace Technical Committee: TC20
Within ISO, Technical Committee 20 (TC20) focuses on the aerospace field, addressing standards for aircraft, spacecraft, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
■Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee: SC16
Subcommittee 16 (SC16) under TC20 specializes in unmanned aircraft systems.It develops international standards covering operational procedures, safety management, training, and simulation—essential frameworks for global drone operations.
■Working Structures: WG / JWG / AG
- WG (Working Group): Task groups established to develop standards for specific topics.
- JWG (Joint Working Group): Joint task groups organized across multiple committees.
- AG（Adhoc Group）：Temporary groups formed to address emerging topics.
Experts from around the world engage in long-term discussions within these groups, resulting in the publication of international standards.
Currently, SC16 comprises 26 participating member countries and 10 observer countries.
Its organizational structure includes 8 Working Groups (WG), 2 Advisory Groups (AG), and 1 Joint Working Group (JWG).
■History of ISO/TC 20/SC 16
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Russia proposed the establishment of a subcommittee on unmanned aircraft systems. |
| 2014 | ISO/TC 20/SC 16 officially established. |
| 2015 | First plenary meeting held (two plenaries per year thereafter). |
| 2016(June) | 3rd Plenary - Beijing, China (JUIDA began participation.) |
| 2018(Nov) | 7th Plenary - Tokyo, Japan (JUIDA hosted the Leaders’ Dinner and Experts’ Reception.) |
| 2024(June) | Domestic secretariat transferred from NRI to JUIDA. |
| 2024(June 17-21) | 17th Plenary - Arlington, USA. |
| 2024(Nov 19-22) | 18th Plenary - Zhuhai, China. |
| 2025(June 10-13) | 19th Plenary - Berlin, Germany. |
| 2025(Nov 17-21) | 20th Plenary - Tokyo, Japan (planned) |
■Participation in ISO Meetings
JUIDA represents Japan at international meetings, sharing national perspectives, leading standardization discussions, and attending the two annual plenary sessions.
Secretariat of Japan’s Mirror Committee on ISO/TC 20/SC 16
■JUIDA’s Role
ISO/TC 20/SC 16 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) was proposed by Russia in 2013 and established in 2014—the same year JUIDA was founded.At that time, JUIDA was Japan’s only dedicated UAS industry association, and was invited by the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies (SJAC) to participate as the domestic deliberation body.Since its inception, JUIDA has upheld the principle that “ensuring safety is essential for the sustainable growth of the drone industry.”JUIDA led private-sector safety initiatives with the involvement of ministries including MLIT, METI, and MIC, creating Japan’s first Safety Guidelines for Drone Operations, which later became the foundation for the revised Civil Aeronautics Act.Through its Accredited School system, JUIDA has also contributed to human resource development and operational capacity-building.These achievements align closely with ISO’s values of reliability, universality, and harmonization, making JUIDA a valuable contributor to SC16 discussions.
■Domestic Committee Secretariat
Japan’s domestic committee consists of representatives from industry, academia, government, and related organizations, meeting three to four times a year.Four domestic deliberation bodies share responsibility for various Working Groups, coordinating and consolidating Japan’s positions.JUIDA serves as the Secretariat of the Domestic Committee and also manages the Secretariat of the Liaison Committee of Conveners, supporting effective communication and coordination among stakeholders.
■Steering Committee Schedule (FY2024-FY2025)
| (FY2024)Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 13 (Thu) | 1st Mirror Committee on ISO/TC 20/SC 16 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) |
| June 17 (Mon) - 21 (Fri) | ISO/TC 20/SC 16 Plenary Meeting - Arlington, USA |
| August 5 (Mon) | 1st Government Liaison Meeting on ISO/TC 20/SC 16 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) |
| September 17 (Tue) | 2nd Mirror Committee on ISO/TC 20/SC 16 |
| September 26 (Thu) | 1st Domestic Expert Committee for ISO 23665 (UAS Training and Education Standardization) |
| October 10 (Thu) | 1st Domestic Expert Committee on UAS Flight Simulator Training Standardization |
| October 21 (Mon) | 2nd Government Liaison Meeting on ISO/TC 20/SC 16 |
| November 11 (Mon) | 3rd Mirror Committee on ISO/TC 20/SC 16 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) |
| November 18 (Mon) - 22 (Fri) | ISO/TC 20/SC 16 Plenary Meeting - Zhuhai, China |
| December 23 (Mon) | 3rd Government Liaison Meeting on ISO/TC 20/SC 16 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) |
| January 14 (Tue) | 4th Mirror Committee on ISO/TC 20/SC 16 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) |
| January 20 (Mon) | 2nd Domestic Expert Committee for ISO 23665 (UAS Training and Education Standardization) |
| January 31 (Fri) | 2nd Domestic Expert Committee on UAS Flight Simulator Training Standardization |
| February 17 (Mon) | Domestic Review Committee for ISO/TC 20/SC 16/WG3 (Operations and Procedures) |
| (FY2025)Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 10 (Tue) - 13 (Fri) | ISO/TC 20/SC 16 Plenary Meeting - Berlin, Germany |
| July 8 (Tue) | 1st Government Liaison Meeting on ISO/TC 20/SC 16 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) |
| July 29 (Tue) | 1st Mirror Committee on ISO/TC 20/SC 16 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) |
| September (TBD) | 1st Domestic Expert Committee for ISO 23665 (UAS Training and Education Standardization) |
| October (TBD) | 1st Domestic Expert Committee on UAS Flight Simulator Training Standardization 2nd Government Liaison Meeting on ISO/TC 20/SC 16 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) |
| November (TBD) | 2nd Mirror Committee on ISO/TC 20/SC 16 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) |
| November 17 (Mon) - 21 (Fri) | ISO/TC 20/SC 16 Plenary Meeting - Tokyo, Japan |
For Japan’s Drone Industry to Stay Competitive
in the Global Market
Key Standards Led by JUIDA
| Standard | Year of Publication | Title / Content | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISO 23665:2021 | 2021 | Unmanned aircraft systems — Training for personnel involved in UAS operations → International standard on UAS operator training, first proposed and led by Japan. |
Japan’s first ISO standard in the drone field, proposed and project-led by JUIDA. Published after approximately 2.5 years of development. |
| ISO 23665:2023 | 2023 | Unmanned aircraft systems — Training for personnel involved in UAS operations (Second edition) → Updated standard reflecting the latest educational and operational insights. |
Revised edition incorporating updated international training and operational knowledge. |
| ISO/TR 23250 (WD stage) |
2024 | Survey for operational procedure for Airspace Conflict Management → Technical report on research into airspace conflict management operations. |
Under development as a Technical Report (TR). Aims to provide foundational research on airspace conflict management. |
| ISO/WD 25858 | Proposed 2024 / In progress | Flight training using simulators (under development) → Standardization of simulator-based flight training. |
Standard under development, led domestically by JUIDA. Standard number assigned; currently in progress. |
| ISO/PWI (number TBD) |
Proposed 2024 / Initiated | Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) → New project proposal on advanced air mobility. |
Newly approved proposal on future AAM operations and frameworks. |
What is ISO 23665?
ISO 23665 describes the procedures for the education and training of personnel who will be involved in the operation of unmanned aircraft in the future and defines the operational procedures of the training organization that will be the body providing education and training to the candidates.
Overall view of ISO 23665
- Issued on January 26, 2021
- Second edition issued on September 8, 2023, specifying a curriculum for low-risk operations of drones.
- ISO standard that Japan took the initiative in studying and publishing.
- The only ISO standard for drone education
- ISO standard for certifying educational organizations
ISO 23665 Content Overview
Classification
Chapter Title
Summaly
Trainign organization
Trainign organization
Regulates staffing within the training organization, information to be provided to trainee, etc.
Training resources
Defines requirements for teaching materials and instructors
Training content delivery
Defines the methods of provision of educational content and periodic evaluations
Final qualification
Defines items to be included in diplomas issued by training institutions
Evaluation protocols
It defines the protocol for certifying that a trainee has the competence required for the qualification
Educational content
(Annex A)
Competencies
Defines the competencies to be guaranteed for those who complete the curriculum
Fitness to act as remote pilot-in-command
Defines matters pertaining to the competence ofremote pilot-in-command as defined by Annex A
Theory knowledge
Defines the theory knowledge to be acquired within the curriculum
Practical skill
Defines UAS flight operation skills to be acquired by trainee
Final qualification
Defines that the trainee demonstrates to the instructor the skills acquired in the curriculum
ISO 23665 describes the procedures for the education and training of personnel who will be involved in the operation of unmanned aircraft in the future and defines the operational procedures of the training organization that will be the body providing education and training to the candidates.
Overall view of ISO 23665
- Issued on January 26, 2021
- Second edition issued on September 8, 2023, specifying a curriculum for low-risk operations of drones.
- ISO standard that Japan took the initiative in studying and publishing.
- The only ISO standard for drone education
- ISO standard for certifying educational organizations
- Issued on January 26, 2021
- Second edition issued on September 8, 2023, specifying a curriculum for low-risk operations of drones.
- ISO standard that Japan took the initiative in studying and publishing.
- The only ISO standard for drone education
- ISO standard for certifying educational organizations
ISO 23665 Content Overview
| Classification | Chapter Title | Summaly |
|---|---|---|
| Trainign organization | Trainign organization | Regulates staffing within the training organization, information to be provided to trainee, etc. |
| Training resources | Defines requirements for teaching materials and instructors | |
| Training content delivery | Defines the methods of provision of educational content and periodic evaluations | |
| Final qualification | Defines items to be included in diplomas issued by training institutions | |
| Evaluation protocols | It defines the protocol for certifying that a trainee has the competence required for the qualification | |
| Educational content (Annex A) |
Competencies | Defines the competencies to be guaranteed for those who complete the curriculum |
| Fitness to act as remote pilot-in-command | Defines matters pertaining to the competence ofremote pilot-in-command as defined by Annex A | |
| Theory knowledge | Defines the theory knowledge to be acquired within the curriculum | |
| Practical skill | Defines UAS flight operation skills to be acquired by trainee | |
| Final qualification | Defines that the trainee demonstrates to the instructor the skills acquired in the curriculum |