The low-altitude economy refers to economic activities conducted in airspace below 1,000 metres, involving UAVs, small aircraft and helicopters, alongside control systems and air traffic management. It represents a comprehensive ecosystem of equipment, infrastructure, services and applications supporting production and daily life.

The model is gaining traction across sectors such as logistics, agriculture, surveying, environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and emergency health care. At scale, these applications can help enhance productivity, reduce costs, shorten processing time, expand service supply chains, and create new industries and jobs.

The UAV technology is particularly effective in addressing challenges faced by ground infrastructure, especially in densely populated urban areas and remote regions. Smart aerial devices also enable real-time data collection, improving governance, decision-making and digital transformation across industries.

Hoang Anh Tu, Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Engineering and Technology under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), said a national strategy on UAV development and application through 2030, with a vision to 2045, has been submitted to the Politburo. Many domestic enterprises have already begun testing, producing and developing UAVs.

A Vietnam-made UAV model at the rehearsal for the parade marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (A80) on Sept. 2, 2025. Photo by VnEpxress/Giang Huy

The strategy identifies UAV development as essential for mastering core technologies and building a new high-tech industry. UAVs are expected to transform low-altitude transport, with development oriented towards dual-use applications serving both civilian and defence – security purposes.

Vietnam aims to gradually achieve technological autonomy by researching and mastering core components such as flight controllers, edge AI chips, data transmission systems and operational software. The State will play a leading role in shaping demand and piloting applications while enterprises are expected to drive innovation and enhance global competitiveness.

A national UAV application programme is being designed, focusing on key areas including smart agriculture, logistics, smart cities, energy infrastructure, and defence –security. Plans are also underway to establish three national UAV testing zones in major industrial, agricultural and urban areas for assessment before wider deployment.

The MoST has stressed the importance of building a legal framework through national standards and technical regulations governing safety, operations and low-altitude airspace management, alongside requirements on data security and remote identification.