As Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) gain importance, particularly for beyond-visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) missions, their integration into manned airspace presents cybersecurity challenges due to high automation levels. The SecureUTM project addresses these by proposing a cyber certification scheme for UTM systems in the EU, ensuring compliance with regulations and cybersecurity standards. The project aims to design, develop, and deploy a UTM system compliant with this proposed certification scheme and is divided into two phases: the Technology (Step 1) and the Product Phase (Step 2). 

As Step 1 nears completion, Unifly and Nexova presented the preliminary results at the PNT Workshop, including stakeholder feedback, regulatory analyses, the establishment of the cyber certification scheme, and a gap analysis. A secure proof of concept (PoC) for Belgian airspace has been developed by implementing identified mitigation measures, enhancing Unifly’s UTM to meet the project’s stringent security standards. A validation exercise is currently being performed by comparing a non-secured version with a secured version containing mitigation actions by executing attack scenarios. These findings are being compiled into a validation report. In parallel, discussions are started to define the concrete outline of Step 2. 

These preliminary results represent significant strides in developing a secure and certified UTM system. Moving forward, the project findings will be used for further research and development within the NAVISP program, including the implementation of a pilot program for a secure Belgian UTM with rigorous validation trials. This pioneering effort ensures safe and secure drone operations within European airspace and sets a precedent for future UTM developments by proposing a robust cyber certification scheme.