U-Space in Germany & Europe: Where Are We Now—and Where Are We Headed?

The development of U-Space in Europe is gaining momentum. With the announcement of a national U-Space law, growing international momentum, and concrete projects in northern Germany, the question arises: How far along is Germany really? What is still missing? And when will the first true U-Space become a reality? A status report.

The dream of a well-regulated drone airspace

On April 22, 2021, the European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/664 establishing a legal framework for U-Space. This regulation has been applicable in the Member States since January 26, 2023. The message was clear: Europe wants to be a pioneer—in the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into existing airspace. No country in the world had previously created a legal framework of comparable scope that treats manned and unmanned aviation not merely as coexisting entities, but as an integrated system.

For us at b.r.m. IT & Aerospace, this regulation wasn’t a starting signal—it was a confirmation. After all, the idea of creating a coordinated, digitized airspace for drones has been driving us for years. From the U-Space Real-World Lab in Northwest Germany and the German Bight, through the development of the Bremen UAS Control Center as a future USSP, to our research projects such as SKADRO and SafeUAVnav —we are working on all the building blocks needed for a functioning U-Space.

But what exactly is a U-Space? A U-Space is a geographically defined geozone embedded within existing airspace—typically in the very low level (VLL) airspace. The existing airspace structure remains fully intact. However, within this geozone, additional rules and digital services apply that enable the safe and coordinated operation of drones—particularly for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights and automated operations. Drone operators must use specific digital services within a U-Space: ranging from electronic network identification, geo-awareness, and flight authorization to real-time traffic information and compliance monitoring. These services are provided by a certified U-Space Service Provider (USSP).

Where exactly do we stand today? And how close are we to realizing the vision of the first true U-Space in northern Germany?

Current status: Much has been achieved, but there is still much to do

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/664 has been in effect since January 26, 2023. The Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) published a concept for establishing U-Spaces in Germany as early as the end of 2022. With the addition of EU Regulation 2023/203 on information security requirements, which has been binding since February 2026, the regulatory framework has gained further depth.

At the same time, a lot has happened in recent months. The UAS-L-USSP HB project has reached further milestones. In March 2026, the kick-off for our collaborative project SafeUAVnav took place at Fraunhofer IFAM in Bremen—a project designed to enable robust navigation and localization of UAVs even in GNSS-jammed environments. And at XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 in Düsseldorf in March, we were able to hold in-depth discussions with the international community. The feedback confirmed that the topics of U-Space, BVLOS, and Advanced Air Mobility are driving the industry like never before.

And then came what was perhaps the most important news of the year: the announcement of a national U-Space law.

The U-Space Act: Germany Aims to Be a Pioneer

At XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 in Düsseldorf—where our managing directors Harald and Markus Rossol were also in attendance—Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder announced a national U-Space law. With this move, Germany aims to become the first EU member state to establish a specific legal framework for U-Spaces at the national level. The draft bill is expected to be submitted later this year.

This is a crucial step. Although EU Regulation 2021/664 has been in force since 2021, Germany has so far lacked the national legal framework needed to actually designate and operate U-Space airspaces. The proposed law is intended to close precisely this gap: It defines responsibilities, establishes clear procedures for setting up U-Spaces, and sets the framework for the mixed operation of manned and unmanned aviation.

For the industry and for us as a future U-Space service provider, this is news of enormous significance. Without a national legal framework, even the most technically advanced U-Space concepts remain mere theory. The law clears the way—for the formal designation of U-Space airspaces, for the certification of USSPs, and ultimately for commercial operations.

The key provisions of the law aim to introduce U-Space in Germany with clear lines of responsibility and as little red tape as possible. There is already significant interest in test tracks: in addition to northern Germany, Berlin, Lusatia, Ingolstadt, Hamburg, and North Rhine-Westphalia, among others, have been mentioned as potential locations.

For the U-Space Real-World Laboratory in Northwest Germany and the German Bight, this means: With our infrastructure, permits, and experience, we are well-prepared to be among the first operational U-Spaces in Germany.

How far along are we? A look at the current status of development

The question of how far along Germany is in implementing U-Space cannot be answered with a simple “almost done.” Work is being carried out simultaneously on several different levels:

From a regulatory perspective, Europe has established the world’s most comprehensive framework with Regulation (EU) 2021/664. Germany has recognized this in principle and is working on national implementation—the announced U-Space Act is the crucial next step here.

At b.r.m. IT & Aerospace, we have a solid technological foundation. With the Hatten-UAS German Flight Center, we operate a test center that already serves as infrastructure for the future U-Space. Our BVLOS flight zones extend from the Oldenburg-Hatten airfield across the Jadebusen to the North Sea—an area of over 3,600 km². With SKADRO, we are developing scalable drone communication systems specifically designed for use in U-Space zones.

We are continuously gaining operational experience in real-world flight operations. The expansion phases of the U-Space real-world laboratory clearly illustrate the planned path: from the first BVLOS zones around Hatten and the German Bight, through the integration of Cuxhaven and Heligoland, to the vision of a fully integrated U-Space connected to the SESAR ATM Master Plan.

U-Space Reallabor North-West Germany and German Bight

The initial concept of a concrete U-Space

The work carried out so far on the U-Space Real-World Laboratory for Northwest Germany and the German Bight has been primarily conceptual in nature: setting up the infrastructure, bringing together stakeholders, and conducting flight operations trials. Now we are taking a decisive step forward.

We are working on establishing the first U-Space—a defined area where the requirements of EU Regulation 2021/664 will be effectively implemented and the six mandated U-Space services will be provided. This means: network identification, geo-awareness, UAS flight authorization, traffic information, weather services, and compliance monitoring—all from a single source, digitally and automated.

This first concrete U-Space represents a further development of the existing real-world laboratory concept and marks the next logical phase: the transition from testing to regular operation.

Our proposal for the first concrete U-Space is based on a route with high operational potential: from a section of Bremen Airport along the Weser River, through the ports of Bremen, continuing downstream to Bremerhaven, and extending to the port area there. This route connects urban, industrial, and maritime operational areas—thus offering ideal conditions for testing various application scenarios within a single U-Space and, in the future, transitioning them to regular operation. From inspections of critical infrastructure to logistics flights and port surveillance: the range of possible missions along this route demonstrates the economic potential a U-Space can unlock in practice.

A full presentation of this concept—including the planned geozone, the proposed services, and the participating partners—will take place at AERO Friedrichshafen 2026. More details will follow shortly.

Can we already be USSP for the first U-Space concept?

The role of the U-Space Service Provider (USSP) is central to the entire U-Space concept. Without a certified USSP, U-Space cannot be operated. The EU regulation clearly defines the services a USSP must provide and the certification requirements that must be met.

Through the UAS Control Center in Bremen, we are developing precisely this capability. As part of the UAS-L-USSP HB project, we are working to implement the six mandated U-Space services and make them operational.

Whether we can already act as a USSP for an initial U-Space depends on several factors—technical, regulatory, and organizational. The recently announced U-Space Act is expected to help clarify the certification process.

What's still missing? The ongoing projects

As far as Germany and Europe have come with the regulatory framework, there are still hurdles to overcome when it comes to the actual operation of a U-Space. This applies not only to individual companies like ours, but to the entire industry and the relevant authorities.

National Legislation: With the announcement of the U-Space Act, the most important course has been set. The decisive factors now will be how quickly the bill is introduced and passed—and how practical the procedures it contains are designed to be. In our view, a competitive approach that allows for the authorization of multiple USSPs would be the right way forward.

Standardization and Interoperability: The European Commission has taken an important step forward with the European UAS Standardization Coordination Group (EUSCG). However, the standardized protocols for information exchange between USSPs, ANSPs, and operators have not yet been finalized. Without these standards, seamless cross-border operations remain difficult.

Certification processes: The certification of a USSP by national aviation authorities is uncharted territory—for the authorities as well as for the applicants. Although EASA has published guidance material, practical implementation varies considerably among member states.

How far along are the other EU countries?

A look beyond our borders shows that, overall, Europe is well advanced in U-Space implementation—but progress is uneven.

Belgium already has U-Space systems in use at the Port of Antwerp—though they are not yet fully certified under EU Regulation 2021/664, they are in operational use and have provided valuable practical experience.

The Netherlands operates a similar system at the Port of Rotterdam. Here, too, drone flights are conducted within a coordinated airspace, even though there is not yet a formally designated U-Space.

Switzerland is considered a European pioneer and began conducting U-Space demonstrations early on, including in the urban areas of Zurich and Geneva.

Norway has launched U-Space sandbox trials and plans to transition to commercial operations.

Spain has already invested in U-Space infrastructure through the air traffic management service provider ENAIRE and is working on its national implementation.

Germany has laid a strong foundation with the BMDV’s concept, the announcement of the U-Space Act, and projects such as the U-Space Real-World Laboratory in Northwest Germany. By European standards, Germany is among the leading nations in terms of technology—but it still has some catching up to do with Tier 1 countries when it comes to formal implementation. With the announced legislation, however, Germany could quickly close this gap and even take the lead.

One thing stands out: Many European countries score well in the areas of regulation, governance, strategy, and technology. In the “market” category—that is, actual commercial use—most countries still perform poorly. This is precisely where projects like our U-Space real-world lab come in: We’re not just building technical infrastructure, but also laying the operational groundwork for real-world business scenarios.

Outlook: What We'll Be Showcasing at AERO 2026

We will provide a first concrete glimpse into our plans at AERO Friedrichshafen from April 22 to 25, 2026. As in previous years, b.r.m. IT & Aerospace will be part of the City of Aerospace’s Bremen state pavilion, organized by WFB Wirtschaftsförderung Bremen GmbH in collaboration with AVIASPACE BREMEN e.V. on behalf of the Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports, and Transformation.

The joint booth showcases the strength of Northern Germany as an aerospace hub: In addition to b.r.m., other participants include Akkodis, Bremen Airport, Deutsche WindGuard, the DMO (German Model Sports Organization), Drone Days, Oldenburg-Hatten Airfield, Fraunhofer IFAM, iMAR Navigation, the ignite group, the Lower Saxony State Office for Road Construction and Transport, Rheinmetall, and TOPAS—co-financed by the European Union.

There, we will be presenting a concrete U-Space for the first time—the evolution of our previous U-Space real-world laboratory concept into a defined area where U-Space services are actually to be provided. From Bremen Airport along the Weser River to Bremerhaven. Please feel free to contact us for more details.

Conclusion: The stage is set for implementation

Unmanned aviation in Germany is at a turning point. With the proposed U-Space Act, ongoing research projects, and growing international momentum, the conditions for the first true U-Space in Germany have never been better.

For us at b.r.m. IT & Aerospace, this confirms the path we have been consistently pursuing for years—from the initial idea, through the U-Space real-world laboratory, to a concrete airspace that can also be used for unmanned aviation. The technology is ready. The infrastructure is in place. And with the political will that is now emerging, Germany can not only catch up but also take a leading role in the European competition.

The coming months will show how quickly these announcements become reality. We are ready.

Would you like to learn more about our U-Space activities or get involved as a partner? Our managing directors, Harald and Markus Rossol, are available to answer your questions. You can reach us by phone at +49 421 34 14 94 or by email at brm@brm.de.

Further information: