Tokyo, June 26, 2024 – Unifly, a group company of Terra Drone Corporation, and a global leader in Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, showcased the progress and preliminary results of the NAVISP EL3-23: “SecureUTM” project at the Belgian National Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Workshop on June 19. Hosted by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO) and the European Space Agency (ESA), this workshop convened industry leaders and technical experts to discuss the latest advancements in PNT solutions. The SecureUTM project, part of the Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP) funded by ESA, aims to develop a cyber certification scheme for UTM systems.
As Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) gain importance, particularly for beyond-visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) missions, their integration into manned airspace presents cybersecurity challenges due to high automation levels. The SecureUTM project addresses these by proposing a cyber certification scheme for UTM systems in the EU, ensuring compliance with regulations and cybersecurity standards. The project aims to design, develop, and deploy a UTM system compliant with this proposed certification scheme and is divided into two phases: the Technology (Step 1) and the Product Phase (Step 2).
As Step 1 nears completion, Unifly and Nexova presented the preliminary results at the PNT Workshop, including stakeholder feedback, regulatory analyses, the establishment of the cyber certification scheme, and a gap analysis. A secure proof of concept (PoC) for Belgian airspace has been developed by implementing identified mitigation measures, enhancing Unifly’s UTM to meet the project’s stringent security standards. A validation exercise is currently being performed by comparing a non-secured version with a secured version containing mitigation actions by executing attack scenarios. These findings are being compiled into a validation report. In parallel, discussions are started to define the concrete outline of Step 2.
These preliminary results represent significant strides in developing a secure and certified UTM system. Moving forward, the project findings will be used for further research and development within the NAVISP program, including the implementation of a pilot program for a secure Belgian UTM with rigorous validation trials. This pioneering effort ensures safe and secure drone operations within European airspace and sets a precedent for future UTM developments by proposing a robust cyber certification scheme.
Andres Van Swalm, CEO of Unifly, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “This initiative underscores our commitment to pioneering solutions that enable the seamless integration of drones while ensuring the highest standards of safety and security.”
This project is carried out under a program of and funded by the European Space Agency The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Space Agency.
About Nexova GROUP
The Nexova Group is a prominent global engineering and consulting company with expertise in space, security, and other advanced technology sectors. They specialize in providing innovative solutions, research, and project management services to various industries, including space exploration, cybersecurity, and defence. The Nexova Group plays a key role in advancing cutting-edge technologies and facilitating collaborations between industry, government, and academia to drive progress in these critical fields.
About Unifly NV
Unifly is a leading aviation tech company dedicated to enhancing the safety and efficiency of autonomous aviation with cutting-edge technology. The Unifly platform acts as a crucial bridge within the UAS ecosystem, enabling the safe and secure integration of next-generation aircraft into the airspace. By digitizing and automating traffic management and integrating seamlessly with drones and Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Unifly addresses the exponential growth in air traffic expected in the coming decades. The company has a proven track record of implementing more than ten commercial UTM deployments, establishing it as a world leader in this industry.
For more information, please visit the website at Unifly.aero or contact us at press@unifly.aero.
About Terra Drone Corporation
Terra Drone is a pioneering drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology company headquartered in Japan, with the mission to [Unlock “X” Dimensions], creating a prosperous future by “crossing” bridges by integrating diverse fields to foster innovation and find solutions. Its proprietary, patented technologies in drones, sensors, software are the foundation of the specialized solutions—ranging from surveying and inspections to pesticide spraying—which are revolutionizing key industries including oil and gas, construction and engineering, chemicals, electricity, and agriculture on a global scale.
In July 2023, Terra Drone acquired a majority stake in Unifly, a world leading provider of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM) systems, having a proven track record of implementing its system on a national level in over eight countries. Terra Drone’s ambition is to develop comprehensive solutions for drones and UAM, with the overarching aim of establishing a digital infrastructure in the skies to maximize the potential of air mobility.
For more information, please visit our website: http://www.terra-drone.net
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