Vietnamese Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang emphasized during a National Assembly (NA) discussion on the People’s Air Defense Bill on Thursday that his ministry reserves the right to manage drones and ultralight aircraft.

The discussion focuses on civil defense forces and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) – including drones and ultralight planes. 

The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security are in charge of granting permits to the respective UAVs, according to General Giang.

UAVs that do not fall into these categories must be registered at the public security ministry, but they are under the management of the national defense ministry, he underscored.

With a significant increase in the number of UAVs, the national defense ministry may review and consider delegating licensing authority to lower levels such as provinces, military districts, or military units. 

However, in cases where necessary, the national defense minister and public security minister can order flight cancelations. 

Regarding ultralight aircraft used for art performances, Minister Giang emphasized that organizers must agree on the program and conduct rehearsals in advance.

Giang stated that if an aircraft fails to comply during a forced landing situation, the military reserves the right to use suppressive fire to take it down in order to ensure control and security. 

He noted that such regulations are common in many other countries.

On a separate note, concerning the age eligibility for participation in people’s air defense, the defense minister clarified that volunteers aged 18 to 45 for men and up to 40 for women are welcome to join the forces.

Opinions

Duong Khac Mai, the NA deputy of the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong, underlined the need for a comprehensive assessment and clear criteria to manage various ultralight aircraft types effectively. 

Luu Van Duc, the NA deputy of the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak, highlighted the widespread use of drones in advanced agriculture, forestry, media, and tourism, thereby stressing the importance of classifying these devices to streamline regulatory processes. 

Both deputies proposed further research into regulatory frameworks to support the development of unmanned and ultralight aircraft for socio-economic activities.

Considering comments from NA deputies, the drafting committee revised the definition of people’s air defense, according to the Vietnam News Agency. 

They defined it as an activity involving local military, civil defense, and military reserve forces. 

These forces form the core responsible for a range of activities and measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property, minimizing economic damage, preserving national defense capacity, and participating in airspace control and protection to prevent and mitigate the impact of enemy air attacks.

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