High Eye Achieves Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) SAIL II
Dordrecht, The Netherlands, December 2025
We are proud to share that High Eye has been granted the Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) SAIL II by the Malta Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD).
More than a regulatory milestone, the LUC SAIL II is formal recognition of the organisational maturity High Eye has built over the past years grounded in a strong safety culture, procedural discipline, and an aviation first mindset.
A new chapter in High Eye’s operational capability
With the LUC SAIL II, High Eye is recognised as an organisation capable of independently conducting SORA 2.5 based risk assessments, implementing and maintaining mitigations, and exercising operational control over UAS operations within the Specific Category.
This allows us to self-declare and execute complex BVLOS missions across Europe within our LUC privileges, reducing administrative lead times while maintaining full aviation grade compliance.
It also reinforces High Eye’s position as a UAV manufacturer that not only designs and builds aircraft, but operates them under a robust, EASA compliant Safety Management System.
Our pathway to certification
High Eye began its journey toward LUC-level compliance in 2023 with a clear objective: aligning all operations with European aviation standards.
Since then, we’ve built a solid foundation from implementing a Quality and Safety Management System and aviation grade procedures, to training teams, clarifying responsibilities, and working closely with Malta CAD throughout the assessment process.
Achieving LUC SAIL II was a true team effort across engineering and operations, supported by strong safety, quality, and management governance. It reflects our commitment to aviation-grade operations, where best practices are the baseline by default not the ambition.
What the LUC SAIL II enables
With this certification, High Eye can:
• Self-declare operations within SAIL II
• Conduct BVLOS missions across Europe with greater operational flexibility
• Support customers with faster demonstrations and deployment timelines
• Operate within a recognised European regulatory framework
This operational independence allows us to respond more effectively to market demand and support customers in a faster, more streamlined way.
Benefits for our customers and partners
For defence, maritime, governmental, and industrial partners, the LUC SAIL II delivers tangible value:
• Shorter preparation times for operational missions
• Greater predictability and reliability in planning
• Assurance that operations follow a certified, aviation-grade safety structure
• The ability for High Eye to advise and support customers in their own regulatory pathways
It confirms that High Eye delivers not just a platform but a complete, mature operational framework.
Strengthening our European footprint
Receiving the LUC from Malta CAD supports High Eye’s long-term strategy to expand its operational presence across Europe. It aligns with growing demand from European defence and maritime agencies, and the increasing importance of BVLOS helicopter UAV operations.
With this approval, we can accelerate demonstrations, deepen partnerships, and unlock new cross-border opportunities.
