ICAO’s European and North Atlantic Regional Office convened a two-day workshop on counter-UAS measures following an increase in reported drone incursions and related military air activity.
The workshop was hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Poland in Krakow. During the event, Salazar presented the evolving threats and urged ICAO Member States to support a sustained international response.
Salazar said: “Effective counter-UAS approaches require a multi-layered system of equipment, working in concert with sound aviation regulations,” Mr. Salazar declared. “Countering the threat posed by UAS to civil aviation also requires coordinated, sustained, and committed international attention.”
Delegates and stakeholders from across the civil aviation sector shared technical and operational expertise during the workshop, which concluded yesterday.
The discussions covered collective approaches to managing risks related to aviation safety, security, air navigation, cybersecurity and privacy. Participants also examined measures to strengthen governance, coordination and information-sharing mechanisms.
Delegates recommended improving interoperability between unmanned traffic management systems and national UAS registries. Such systems can help authorities distinguish between cooperative drones that are properly identified and non-cooperative aircraft.
The workshop also identified the need to address interoperability challenges between civil and State systems.
Participants highlighted the potential integration of civil data analytics into State intelligence systems. This could include data on local operating trends and incident reports to help authorities anticipate risks and develop response plans.
Salazar also announced that ICAO is developing Integrated Risk Management guidance for States and aviation stakeholders.
The guidance will address interconnected risks linked to innovation and the continuing development of the global aviation system. ICAO expects to issue the document to Member States in the coming months. Expertise shared during the Counter-UAS Workshop will also inform ICAO’s ongoing work to strengthen the international regulatory and operational framework. The findings will contribute to discussions at the Second ICAO Advanced Air Mobility Symposium, which will be held in Bangkok.
Bilateral meetings in Warsaw
The ICAO Secretary General’s visit to Poland also included high-level meetings in Warsaw focused on strengthening regional cooperation.
Salazar held talks with Radoslaw Sikorski, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Infrastructure; and Julian Rotter, President of the Civil Aviation Authority.
Salazar was accompanied during the mission by Nicolas Rallo, ICAO’s European and North Atlantic Regional Director.
Tags: Juan Carlos Salazar ICAO
