How Drones will help Emergency Services
Almost £50 million in funding will be focused on the use of drones by the UK government
September 16, 2026
The UK government has announced almost £50 million in funding focused on the use of drones and related technology. The GOV.UK release explains that this funding is intended to help emergency services use drones more efficiently as part of normal operations.
The announcement outlines that the package aims to:
- Speed up approvals for drone operations for emergency responses, medical logistics and infrastructure inspection, driving forward regulation to get flying taxis in the sky from 2028.
- Drone operators will also benefit from a streamlined digital application process, reducing the time required to navigate regulations and prepare applications.
- Innovation must go hand in hand with strong security - that's why over half of the investment will develop a new ID system to track drones in real-time, supporting emergency services and building public confidence in an industry that could be worth up to £103 billion by 2050.
How we can support the emergency services sector
Our Emergency Response, Rescue Equipment and Associated Services framework helps services respond effectively to incidents through specialist rescue and response equipment, including search and rescue tools and water rescue equipment.
Our Fire Safety Products & Associated Services framework supports prevention and preparedness through access to essential fire safety equipment and services such as fire alarms and detection systems.
Our Digital Transformation Solutions and Enterprise Service framework supports operational modernisation through digital platforms, cloud infrastructure and system integration, enabling organisations to access, share and use real-time operational data to improve visibility and decision making.
Our Contract Management solution offers a structured and proactive way for Fire and Safety to protect assets and unlock savings. By validating and centralising contract data, organisations gain a clear, unified view of their agreements, helping to improve visibility, streamline processes and ensure key dates and milestones are effectively managed.