EASA Updates EU-Approved Drone List; DJI Accounts for 39% of Models
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EASA updated its list of EU-approved drones to 66 models, with DJI accounting for 26 systems, as the agency considers revisions to its classification system.
Key Takeaways
- •Lists 66 drone systems certified for operation across 31 European countries.
- •Highlights DJI's market dominance, with its models making up 39.4% of the list.
- •Signals upcoming revisions to the EU's Cx drone classification system.
- •Reinforces a unified regulatory framework for the European drone market.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has updated its official list of drones certified for operation within the European Union, bringing the total number of approved systems to 66. The update highlights the significant market presence of manufacturer DJI (Dà-Jiāng Innovations), which accounts for 26 of the certified models. This development comes as EASA signals potential revisions to its drone classification system, a core component of the bloc's unified aviation rules.
The certification list is a critical tool for operators and manufacturers navigating the harmonized drone market, which covers 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The regulations create a single framework, ensuring that a drone certified in one member state is legal to operate across all participating nations under the same conditions. This system is designed to foster safety, simplify cross-border commercial drone operations, and create a predictable environment for the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) industry.
The EU Regulatory Framework
At the heart of EASA's oversight are the EU Drone Regulations (2019/947 & 2019/945), which establish a risk-based approach to UAS operations. This framework divides drone flights into three main categories: Open, Specific, and Certified. The Open category covers the majority of low-risk leisure and commercial activities and does not require prior authorization from the aviation authority.
Operations within this category are dictated by the drone's Class Identification Label (Cx Label), a mandatory marking ranging from C0 to C6. This label classifies the drone based on its weight, safety features, and capabilities. The Cx label directly determines which subcategory—A1 (flying over people), A2 (flying near people), or A3 (flying far from people)—a drone can be operated in. The full roster of certified drones is maintained on EASA's official list of approved systems.
The Specific category is for medium-risk operations that exceed the limitations of the Open category, such as flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). These flights require a detailed operational risk assessment and specific authorization from the relevant National Aviation Authority.
Market Landscape and Manufacturer Dominance
The latest figures from the EASA-approved drones list of February 2026 underscore the market landscape in Europe. With 26 of the 66 certified systems, DJI manufactures approximately 39.4% of all drone models approved for the EU market. This concentration reflects the company's long-standing dominance in the consumer and prosumer segments, which are primarily served by drones operating in the Open category.
The unified regulatory environment facilitates market entry and scalability for large manufacturers like DJI, which can develop and certify a product for 31 countries simultaneously. This contrasts with fragmented regulatory systems elsewhere, which can require separate, costly certification processes for each national market.
Anticipated Revisions and Future Outlook
EASA is actively considering updates to the existing drone rules. The agency is reportedly developing a 'security and simplification package' that could lead to revisions of the Cx classification system. These changes are partly driven by evolving technological requirements, such as the implementation of Remote ID capabilities on lighter drones, which is not universally required under the current C0/C1 classifications.
Natale Di Rubbo, Drone Project Manager at EASA, confirmed the ongoing work. “We are working on it in these days, both security and simplification package of the UAS regulation,” he stated. “We will develop an initial proposal before the summer to be shared with the UAS industry and aviation authorities community.”
Any changes to the Cx labeling system would have significant implications for manufacturers, who would need to adapt their product designs and certification processes. For operators, it could alter the operational limitations and possibilities for existing and future drone fleets. The proposed simplification aims to make the rules more accessible without compromising safety standards.
Why This Matters
This update to the EASA-approved drone list provides essential clarity for a rapidly growing industry, reinforcing a predictable and safe operational environment across Europe. The statistics highlight the market dominance of non-EU manufacturers while also demonstrating the evolving nature of aviation regulation. The anticipated revisions signal that EASA is adapting its framework to address new technologies and security concerns, a process that will directly shape the future of commercial and recreational drone use in the region.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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