Delegation to Hanoi, Vietnam: Consultations on Mutual Cooperation for Drone Industry Regulation, Education, and Standardization
The Japan UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA) conducted a multi-day delegation to Hanoi, Vietnam, starting Sunday, January 18, 2026, led by Executive Director Kakuya Iwata. The primary objective of this visit was to identify and discuss specific opportunities for collaboration with the Vietnam Low-Altitude Economy Partnership (LAEP), following the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in December 2025.
1.Purpose of the Delegation
JUIDA engaged in high-level consultations with local government agencies and key organizations to establish a concrete framework for cooperation in the fields of drone industry regulation, education, and standardization, centered on its partnership with LAEP.
2.Key Consultations and Activities
- Consultations with Government Agencies:JUIDA visited Vietnam’s national standardization and regulatory authorities. Discussions focused on the authorities’ intent to integrate international standards (such as ISO) into the early stages of regulatory design for advanced technologies. Both parties engaged in positive dialogue regarding Vietnam’s active participation in international standardization activities led by JUIDA.
- Strategic Meetings with LAEP (Secretariat: FPT Group):Meetings were held at the FPT headquarters, the secretariat for LAEP, to discuss organizational management and future visions. JUIDA proposed several cooperation initiatives to build a robust drone ecosystem in Vietnam, drawing on expertise developed in Japan, including national licensing frameworks, training school operations, and safety guidelines.
- Site Visits to Local Companies and Universities:The delegation visited several drone manufacturers, integrated service providers, and technical universities. By touring R&D centers and observing cutting-edge technologies, JUIDA exchanged views on implementing pilot training programs geared toward practical operations and explored the potential for mutual use of flight test fields.
- Discussions with Third-Party Certification Bodies:JUIDA visited the local branch of an international testing and certification organization to assess the current state of aircraft certification and conformity assessment in Vietnam. Both parties reached a shared understanding of the vital importance of a framework that integrates education, operation, and certification.
3.Key Achievements and Future Outlook
The delegation yielded the following significant results:
- Promotion of Multilateral Cooperation in International Standardization:Through consultations with Vietnamese authorities, a policy was confirmed for the country to engage more proactively in international standardization activities (such as ISO) within the drone sector. JUIDA and its Vietnamese counterparts agreed to collaborate closely within international frameworks to contribute to the development of common standards in the Asian region and the establishment of a transparent, free-market environment.
- Advancing the Adoption of Educational Standards:A shared recognition was formed that a collaborative approach between industry, government, and academia is the most rational path for disseminating drone education based on ISO 23665 throughout Vietnam.
- Deepening Strategic Partnerships:JUIDA has established a structure to provide long-term support and cooperation for the formation of a domestic drone ecosystem in Vietnam, with LAEP serving as the central hub.
JUIDA will continue to contribute to the advancement of the Advanced Air Mobility Industry in both Japan and Vietnam through its steadfast partnership with LAEP and the FPT Group.
■For more information, please contact:
JUIDA International Relations and Development:ohzora@uas-japan.org
