The pilot programme began on June 1 and will run through August 30, 2026, according to Hanoi Police.

The trial is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of UAV technology in command operations, patrol coordination and real-time urban monitoring in some of the capital’s busiest areas, including Hoan Kiem and Tay Ho wards.

Real-time monitoring from the sky

Unlike traditional ground patrol methods, UAVs allow authorities to observe large areas from the air, helping expand surveillance coverage and detect incidents more quickly.

Images captured by the drones are transmitted directly to the Hanoi Police Information and Command Centre and shared in real time with officers on duty through mobile-connected systems.

Authorities say the model could significantly shorten response times and improve coordination between units handling traffic management, urban order and public security incidents.

During a recent test flight over the Tay Ho (West Lake) ward, the UAV system detected a truck parked in a location that risked obstructing traffic. After receiving live images from the drone, local officers quickly arrived at the scene to inspect the situation and request compliance with traffic regulations.

Hanoi Police described the incident as an example of how UAV technology can support remote monitoring and early warning capabilities, particularly in large public spaces or densely populated urban areas where traditional patrol operations face limitations.

Domestic technology tested in smart city management

Notably, all UAV systems used in the pilot programme were developed by Vietnamese technology companies. Two domestic firms - MiSmart JSC and Gtel Robot JSC - are providing the drone solutions for the programme.

During the trial period, authorities will assess flight stability, image quality, data transmission capability and operational suitability for law enforcement tasks.

Officials said the pilot programme is not only aimed at improving urban security management but also serves as a practical test of Vietnam’s ability to develop and master domestic UAV technologies for public administration purposes.

Toward a data-driven smart city model

Initial assessments suggest UAVs could become an effective tool for modern urban management by expanding situational awareness and enabling real-time response capabilities.

Hanoi Police said the pilot results will be comprehensively reviewed, including technical performance, operational efficiency and coordination mechanisms between relevant units.

A full report is expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Public Security in September 2026 as a basis for considering wider deployment of the model across the capital.

If implemented on a larger scale, UAV systems could become part of Hanoi’s broader smart city ecosystem, supporting a more modern, data-driven and secure urban management model.

Ministry requests urgent measures to counter UAVs threatening aviation safety

In response to a series of incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intruding into airspace used for aircraft take-off, approach and landing, the Ministry of Construction has issued an urgent directive to prevent UAVs and similar devices from endangering aviation security and safety at airports nationwide.