Uncrewed aircraft trials | National Police Air Service

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) is leading one of the UK’s most ambitious trials of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in support of policing - working in partnership with the National Air Traffic Control Service (NATS) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Exploring the future of air support

These trials aim to explore the use of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) uncrewed aircraft to complement traditional police helicopters and fixed-wing planes. The goal is to assess how UAS technology can enhance the delivery of air support to police forces across England and Wales.

Part of the CAA’s BVLOS Integration Sandbox

NPAS has been awarded a place in the CAA’s BVLOS Integration Sandbox - a controlled environment where new aviation technologies can be tested safely and in line with regulatory frameworks. This allows NPAS to trial innovative systems while helping shape future aviation policy.

Being selected for the Sandbox marks a major milestone in NPAS’s Futures and Innovation Programme, which is focused on exploring new technologies to improve operational effectiveness and sustainability.

What’s next?

The trials are scheduled to begin in 2025, and will help determine how uncrewed aircraft could be integrated into national air support operations in the years ahead.