KDDI Smart Drone becomes Japan’s first certified UTM service provider

KDDI Smart Drone has become Japan’s first certified Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) Service Provider, having obtained a service provider ID from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Civil Aviation Bureau.

As a certified USP, the company will integrate with the Ministry’s Drone Information Platform System (DIPS 2.0) to provide services including flight plan coordination between different operators, visualization of airspace restrictions, and management of flight records. These services aim to support safe and efficient drone operations in sectors such as infrastructure inspection, surveying, disaster prevention, and logistics.

KDDI Smart Drone plans to launch its services for flight adjustment efficiency and airspace management governance in December 2026. The company developed these capabilities through participation in NEDO’s ReAMo project and by leveraging operational expertise gained through its capital and business alliance with Japan Airlines.