Türkiye is set to introduce a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring system, called İHATTYS, aimed at improving safety and strengthening oversight of drone operations across the country.

The system will categorize drones into three operational risk groups: “open” use, “special” use, and “certified” UAVs, The Caspian Post reports via Azertac.

Under the new framework, certified drones will be permitted to fly over crowded areas and may also be authorized to transport people or hazardous cargo, marking a significant expansion in regulated drone capabilities.

For operators in the “open” and “special” categories, the minimum age requirement has been set at 16 years.

İHATTYS will enable real-time tracking of all registered drones, allowing authorities to monitor their exact location and movement continuously.

Strict penalties will be imposed on individuals or organizations operating drones outside the system’s regulatory framework.

Foreign-registered drones will also face tighter rules, with flight permits required at least 20 days in advance before operations within Turkish airspace.