Singapore's Drone Industry Has a Space-Scarcity Problem

There's a need for more training facilities, especially outdoor areas, amid increasing commercial and hobbyist demand.

- Mark Tay

Hundreds of drones lit up the night sky with intricate patterns, iconic national symbols, and heartfelt birthday wishes. That was the dazzling scene in the heartland of Singapore, seamlessly blending technology with cherished tradition to mark the SG60 National Day 2025 celebration.

Earlier that week, Singapore announced that all recruits at the Basic Military Training Centre on Pulau Tekong will receive training in drone operations and counter-drone tactics, reflecting the evolving nature of modern battlefields.

These are just a few of many examples of how mainstream drones have become these days in Singapore. Drone technology is not just lighting up festivities, but revolutionizing the maritime, infrastructure and construction sectors, and homeland security, as well as being used by hobbyists, academics and commercial operators.

These diverse uses underscore the versatility of drones. But they also highlight the need for specific training environments tailored to different applications.

GROWING NEED

As the drone industry continues to soar, ensuring that operators are competent is crucial for maintaining high safety standards. But this requires finding suitable outdoor drone training spaces.

The authorities recently rolled out more designated community flying areas to make drone use more accessible to the public.

While these initiatives are steps in the right direction, there is a need for more purpose-built training spaces amid increasing commercial and hobbyist demand.