Why PH mission's China-made drone failed to take off in WPS

One of the most notable incidents during the Atin Ito! 4th Civilian Mission was the failure of its drones to take flight.

Drone operators aboard the vessel reported being bombarded with prompts from their China-made units, requiring the devices to be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) before they could be activated.

How is this possible? How could China effectively block the drones’ operation?

Given that the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is within waters claimed by China, it is possible that China-made drones are programmed to enforce the country’s aviation regulations within areas it considers its territory.

In 2026, China tightened its regulations on drone operations in zones it deems under its jurisdiction, particularly for foreign-owned units.

As of May 1, drone operators are required to complete identity registration linked to each device under standard GB 46761-2025.

Under these rules, unregistered drones are subject to a “physical lock” that prevents them from activating or taking off.

“The owner of a civil unmanned aircraft should complete real-name registration and activation operations before using civil drones. The producer system/civil drone system interacts with the real-name registration system to activate civil drones,” the standard states.

Since January 2026, drones have been required to remain inoperable before activation and after deactivation.

China has also expanded its list of no-fly zones, with Beijing now designated as a drone-free area.—MCG, GMA News