Defence Ministry Wants to Consult NBU on Legal Use of Drones

Bratislava, February 8 (TASR) – The Defence Ministry intends to address the issue of security permits to fly drones and is waiting for an official stance from the National Security Office (NBU) to that end, TASR learnt on Friday.

“We reject any attacks suggesting that we arbitrarily demand drone owners to apply for security permits. It is the sponsor of the law, the National Security Office, that must shed light on the situation that has arisen. We’ve received neither an official stance nor any reply from NBU to date that would enable us to respond,” ministry spokesperson Danka Capakova told TASR.

The ministry maintains that NBU recently amended the original wording of its interpretation of the legislation on its website. Because of this, the ministry lodged an official inquiry with NBU seeking an explanation.

“The use of drones for aerial work for private purposes under the Civil Aviation Act doesn’t carry the obligation to operate with a security licence,” reads the NBU text.

The Opposition Ordinary People (OLaNO) party’s defence expert Jaroslav Nad criticised ministry measures surrounding the use of drones, calling them nonsense and accusing them of harassing businesses. Nad stated that the process of issuing licences for drone use and to take recordings with drones should be simplified.