Global Benchmark for Drone Operations: ISO Advances 3rd Edition of Key Standard
On 28 August 2025, the ISO Technical Committee TC20 (Aerospace) unanimously approved the Draft International Standard (DIS) for the 3rd edition of ISO 21384-3 – Operations of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).
The ballot was carried out electronically by the 26 member States of Sub-Committee 16 on UAS, with 13 actively participating.
A Comprehensive Framework for UAS Operations
The upcoming edition continues to provide an integrated, scalable framework that applies to all UAS operators and Command and Control Communication Service Providers.
Its requirements scale according to operational risk and cover the full spectrum of safety, security, regulatory compliance, and privacy.
Key Innovations in the 3rd Edition
This revision introduces several significant advancements:
Risk-based categories alignment – harmonised with the Open, Specific, and Certified categories introduced by JARUS (2014), adopted in Europe (2019), and acknowledged globally by ICAO (2024).
Medical fitness requirements – establishing the most comprehensive international reference for remote crew health and fitness.
Expanded accountability roles – detailing the responsibilities of visual observers and Fleet Managers (FM), ensuring safety and oversight even as automation progresses toward level 5.
A Comprehensive Framework for UAS Operations
The upcoming edition continues to provide an integrated, scalable framework that applies to all UAS operators and Command and Control Communication Service Providers.
Its requirements scale according to operational risk and cover the full spectrum of safety, security, regulatory compliance, and privacy.
“A few weeks ago, the FAA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for BVLOS operations, based on operator certification and consensus industry standards. The 3rd edition of ISO 21384-3 arrives at the right moment, offering a global benchmark for the organisation of UAS operators.”
Next Steps
WG3 will now address feedback received during the DIS stage. The Final DIS (FDIS) ballot will follow, with publication of the 3rd edition expected in the first half of 2026.
In parallel, WG6 is advancing work on training objectives—not only for remote pilots, but also for visual observers and fleet managers, reinforcing accountability across all operational roles.
For more information, please contact us at press@unifly.aero.
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