UAV DACH Proposes ADS-L to Replace Remote ID for Drones
The German drone industry association UAV DACH advocates for replacing the current Remote ID system with ADS-L, a more secure and efficient alternative. The proposal aims to enhance safety and operational efficiency in low-altitude airspace for both commercial and recreational drone users.
Key facts
- UAV DACH calls for ADS-L to enhance drone identification and safety.
- ADS-L promises reduced power consumption and strong cybersecurity.
- The proposal aims to unify airspace management across Europe.
2 minute read
UAV DACH’s push for ADS-L signals a bid to replace fragmented Remote ID implementations with a single, aviation grade baseline for low altitude surveillance. A drone specific variant of ADS concepts, ADS-L promises lower power draw and simpler hardware, which matters for micro UAS and long endurance platforms. The strategic benefit is a common, machine readable air picture that scales beyond visual line of sight operations while reducing reliance on traditional air traffic control. That would help operators, regulators and law enforcement monitor compliance in real time using automated tools.
Policy adoption would pivot EASA and Member States from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi broadcast beacons toward a standard aligned with manned aviation practices. It could strengthen cross border interoperability inside U-space, simplify type approvals, and give ANSPs and Eurocontrol a clearer technical anchor for conformance services. The trade offs are non trivial. Europe would need spectrum decisions, equipment mandates, retrofit paths for the existing fleet, privacy safeguards, and robust authentication to deter spoofing and replay. Harmonised implementation is essential to avoid a two speed market.
For defence and NATO partners, a unified low altitude surveillance layer would improve civil military situational awareness, aid counter UAS classification, and support protected zones around critical infrastructure without blanket airspace closures. Integration with manned traffic surveillance could reduce deconfliction risk during emergencies and exercises. The same features raise operational security questions, so selective visibility and resilient cyber design must be baked in from the start. If Europe moves first on ADS-L, it can shape global standards and anchor a more secure drone economy. The next phase of European defence will hinge on trusted autonomy at scale.
