The UK's new drone framework landed on 1 January 2026 and the CAA has been pushing updates to its site ever since. If you haven't reviewed your obligations since last year, read this before your next flight.
UK Class Marks: UK0 to UK6
Any drone placed on the UK market from 1 January 2026 must carry a UK class mark — a label from UK0 to UK6 stamped by the manufacturer. Think of it like the EU's C0–C6 system but for Britain. The class mark determines which subcategory rules apply to the aircraft and, crucially, whether Remote ID is required.
- UK0 — sub-250 g, no camera or limited camera. No Remote ID required.
- UK1 — up to 900 g. Remote ID required from 1 Jan 2026.
- UK2 — up to 4 kg. Remote ID required from 1 Jan 2026.
- UK3 — up to 25 kg. Remote ID required from 1 Jan 2026.
- UK5 / UK6 — specialist categories. Remote ID required from 1 Jan 2026.
- UK4 — privately-built aircraft. Remote ID from 2028 (see below).
What Remote ID actually broadcasts
Remote ID transmits a radio signal (similar to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) containing your Operator ID, the drone's real-time position, altitude, heading, and the take-off point. It doesn't upload to a central server in real time — it's a local broadcast, readable by authorised receivers within range. Think of it as a number plate for drones.
You do not need to buy new hardware if your existing drone isn't class-marked — legacy rules apply until 2028.
EU C-class drones: still legal, but the clock is ticking
If you bought a DJI Mini 4 Pro, Air 3S, or any other drone with an EU C-class label (C0–C6), those labels are still recognised in the UK until 31 December 2027. After that date, only UK class marks will be accepted. If you're buying new, look for a UK-marked variant.
Legacy drones: what changes in 2028
A legacy drone is any aircraft sold or distributed before 1 January 2026 with no class mark. You can still fly legacy drones, but rules are based on weight rather than class label — the same framework that existed before 2026. From 1 January 2028, legacy drones and UK4 (home-built) aircraft over 100 g with a camera must also broadcast Remote ID. That gives FPV builders and owners of older kit roughly two years to retrofit or replace.
Check ukdronemap.app before every flight
Class marks and Remote ID don't affect airspace restrictions — FRZs, NOTAMs, and Article 239 temporary restrictions still apply regardless of what label is on your drone. Use ukdronemap.app to check the airspace picture at your intended flying site before you launch. A class-marked drone with Remote ID active does not give you permission to fly in an FRZ.
Where to get the official detail
The CAA's own updates page at caa.co.uk/drones is the authoritative source. The CAA has been adding new guidance throughout early 2026, so it's worth bookmarking. FPV UK's breakdown at fpvuk.org/class-marks-and-remote-id is also thorough and pilot-friendly.