Kyoto Drone Association and Kyoto Prefecture Sign Agreement on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operation in Times of Disaster Agreement on Unmanned Aircraft Operation in Times of Disaster

2025.06.06 12:00

一般社団法人京都ドローン協会

On May 28, 2025, Kyoto Drone Association (Location: Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture; Representative Director: Junichi Nakata) concluded an "Agreement on Unmanned Aircraft Operation in Times of Disaster" with Kyoto Prefecture.

Since its establishment in 2017, the Kyoto Drone Association has been working to promote the use and safe operation of drones in the Kansai region, particularly in Kyoto Prefecture.

西脇府知事と中田代表理事

Governor Nishiwaki and Representative Director Nakata

■ Background

The purpose of the agreement is to promptly respond to requests by Kyoto Prefecture to use drones to assess the disaster situation, find survivors, and transport supplies in the event of a large-scale disaster. MISHOP has a drone capable of transporting supplies, and has conducted experiments in transporting supplies in cooperation with Kyoto Prefecture, universities, and fire departments. In addition, MISHOP is conducting a demonstration experiment of a drone capable of detecting human life using a thermal imaging camera.

■Contents of the Conclusion Ceremony

(1)Signing of the agreement by Governor Nishiwaki of Kyoto Prefecture and Director Nakata of the Kyoto Drone Association

The agreement stipulates that in the event of a large-scale disaster in the prefecture, the association will fly drones over the disaster area to collect damage information, take photographs, transmit images, and transport supplies.

(2) Comment by Governor Nishiwaki

In his opening remarks at the ceremony, Governor Nishiwaki commented, "Not only will drones make it possible to provide prompt assistance to disaster victims, but I also hope that the conclusion of this agreement will be an opportunity to minimize damage through further training and other measures. While collaborative drills between MISHOP and the Crisis Management Center have already been conducted, further practical drills and training are being considered in the future.

(3) Comment by Director Nakata

Director Nakata commented, "Drones are expected to be utilized in places where people and vehicles cannot enter and in isolated areas. It will be important to use drones according to the situation, from large drones for transporting goods to small drones for gathering information and finding people's lives. With a view to further strengthening cooperation with the prefectural government in the future, he said, "The issue for the future is how quickly we can respond to requests for assistance. We will continue to conduct drills and establish a system so that we can rush to the scene first thing in the event of an emergency," he commented.

輸送用ドローン

Drone for transportation

Future Development

MISHOP and the prefectural government will continue to conduct drills and prepare for emergencies.

MISHOP is also considering the possibility of holding training sessions for prefectural government employees to develop their drone piloting skills. The association also plans to address the issue of how to smoothly communicate information in a situation where every minute counts.

Ltd., which is in partnership with the association, is conducting research and development of transport drones and small drones, and will promote the design and mass production of drones at the request of the association in order to be fully prepared for disasters.

京都ドローン協会の方々