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Written question asked by Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 October 2025. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 October 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Unmanned Air Systems: Testing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Civil Air Publication 1616 airspace change processes on his Department's ability to (a) test and (b) develop uncrewed air systems.

Answer

Airspace within the UK Flight Information Regions is neither specifically military nor civilian. The Joint Air Navigation Services Council is responsible for the management of airspace and Air Traffic Service provision with a Joint and Integrated Approach between the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

The practical policy guidance to enact an airspace change is published in CAP1616. The MOD, through the Defence Airspace and Air Traffic Management (DAATM) organisation, is invited to comment on any relevant Airspace Change Proposal. DAATM is a stakeholder in the public consultation launched by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on 25 September 2025 on ways to modernise and streamline the CAP1616 airspace change process and will comment on behalf of the MOD in time for the 18 December 2025 deadline.

The update of CAP 1616 seeks to streamline the processes for modernisation of airspace requirements and the integration of new and innovative types of airspace users. Airspace requirements for military uncrewed air systems testing and development also fall under CAP1616.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
82467
Session
2024-26
Related items
Unmanned Air Systems
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Testing Unmanned air systems Airspace
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk