High Lander and Dronetag partner to improve drone ID in shared airspace

High Lander and Dronetag have announced a partnership to integrate drone traffic management and remote identification technologies, aiming to address persistent challenges in monitoring low-altitude airspace.

The collaboration combines High Lander’s Vega uncrewed traffic management (UTM) platform with Dronetag’s remote ID hardware and software, with the goal of improving real-time identification of drones operating in shared airspace.

Addressing the “blue vs red” drone challenge

A key issue for regulators and security agencies is distinguishing between authorized drones and those operating without approval or identification. The partnership seeks to address this by feeding remote ID data into a centralized UTM system, allowing authorities to identify compliant aircraft and flag potential threats.

The companies describe this as enabling a clearer distinction between “blue drones,” which are authorized and compliant, and “red drones,” which are unidentified or operating in restricted areas.

Low-altitude airspace has become increasingly congested, but gaps remain in visibility. Many drones do not broadcast remote ID data or transmit it incorrectly, limiting the ability of authorities to maintain a complete operational picture.

Integration of management and detection layers

Under the partnership, High Lander’s Vega UTM platform will serve as the core system for managing drone traffic, including flight approvals and deconfliction. Dronetag’s technology adds an identification layer through onboard transmitters and ground-based receivers.

Together, the systems are intended to provide both cooperative identification of compliant drones and detection of those operating outside approved parameters.

“This is a significant milestone in the development of global aviation and we are extremely proud to be at the forefront,” said Alon Abelson, CEO and founder of High Lander. “The integration of Dronetag’s identification capabilities with our UTM infrastructure is the beginning of a new era where regulators can finally maintain safety and security while enabling uncrewed aviation to reach its full potential”.

Lukáš Brchl, CEO of Dronetag, added:

“Regulators and security agencies need to know exactly what is flying in their skies and whether it is authorized to be there. Our partnership with High Lander delivers that clarity. By providing both the management infrastructure and the identification hardware, we are giving authorities the tools they need to transition from theory to practice in large-scale drone operations.”

Early deployments and broader implications

The companies said the integrated solution is already being deployed in parts of the Middle East and Africa, where countries are moving toward operational drone traffic enforcement frameworks.

The combined system is designed to integrate with existing air traffic management infrastructure and third-party sensors, including counter-UAS technologies, to provide a more comprehensive view of aerial activity.

The effectiveness is expected to depend on the level of compliance with remote ID requirements and the ability to detect non-cooperative systems.