AutoSpray Systems secures additional insecticide trial permit for drone application in UK agriculture
Trials scheduled for 2026 to support future commercial approvals using XAG unmanned aircraft platforms.
AutoSpray Systems Ltd is pleased to announce that a further extrapolated trial permit has been secured for an insecticide product to be evaluated through aerial application using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) during the 2026 growing season. This trial is scheduled to take place in Yorkshire this summer.
The permit forms part of a wider programme of regulatory development work being undertaken by AutoSpray Systems Ltd to support the future commercialisation of aerial pesticide applications in UK agriculture. The forthcoming trials will generate operational, efficacy, residue, and application performance data required to support applications for full commercial authorisations in the UK market.
The insecticide programme is expected to have significant implications across high-value horticultural crops. In high-care horticultural systems, precision is essential to protect crop quality; this trial aims to demonstrate how drone-based application can provide a targeted solution that avoids disturbing delicate structures or crop canopies.
This latest approval represents one of several trial permits currently held by AutoSpray Systems Ltd as the company continues to lead the development of regulated drone-based pesticide applications in the United Kingdom.
All trials conducted under these permits are specifically linked to the operational characteristics, application systems, and performance parameters of XAG unmanned aircraft platforms. Consequently, any future commercial authorisations derived from the submitted data packages are intended to apply exclusively to approved XAG drone platforms operating under the defined application conditions.
By generating platform-specific data, the programme aims to ensure that future commercial use approvals accurately reflect the safety, efficacy, drift mitigation, and operational controls demonstrated during the trial process.
AutoSpray Systems Ltd remains committed to working collaboratively with regulators, product manufacturers, growers, and industry stakeholders to establish robust, science-based pathways for the safe and effective introduction of aerial pesticide application technology within UK agriculture.
As the UK and EU exclusive importer of XAG unmanned aircraft systems, AutoSpray Systems Ltd continues to lead the advancement of precision aerial application technologies across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and amenity sectors.
Contact us for further information regarding ongoing trial programmes, regulatory development work, or commercial drone application services.