Hanoi police have begun testing unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with artificial intelligence to monitor public security and urban order since early June, 2026. Photo: Thien Khoi
The trial began in early June and is aimed at enhancing the Vietnamese capital’s ability to detect and respond to urban violations more efficiently.
Images captured by the drones are transmitted in real time via 4G and 5G networks to the city’s command center, allowing authorities to coordinate enforcement actions and address incidents promptly.
According to Hanoi police, the drones serve as flexible ‘eyes in the sky,’ working in combination with AI technology, geographic information system digital mapping, and an intelligent operations center.
Drones used in the trial are equipped with high-resolution cameras, optical sensors, positioning technology, and real-time data transmission systems. Photo: Thien Khoi
The system is designed to detect violations such as road and sidewalk encroachment, illegal parking, unauthorized waste dumping, and potential public security threats.
The drones can record high-resolution images, videos, and geographic coordinates while continuously sending data to the command center.
The data helps officers respond quickly, transparently, and effectively.
A drone is placed in a secure area before take-off to ensure connectivity and operational readiness. Photo: Thien Khoi
Officers believed that the drones would contribute to a dynamic urban database, supporting investigations, reducing reliance on manual patrols, identifying weaknesses in urban management, and gradually encouraging law compliance among residents.
All drones used in the trial were manufactured domestically, allowing customization for specific policing needs.
The trial is expected to provide a comprehensive evaluation of technical performance and operational effectiveness.
By September, Hanoi police plan to submit a comprehensive report to the Ministry of Public Security, paving the way for official deployment of this high-tech solution.
After completing equipment inspections and software and hardware checks, police officers and a technical specialist launch a drone for patrol operations. Photo: Thien Khoi
Drones used in the trial can capture images from multiple angles, providing a full view of conditions on the ground. Photo: Thien Khoi
Hanoi’s patrol officers respond after receiving images of violations generated by an AI-powered drone. Photo: Thien Khoi
Hanoi police use AI to analyze images captured by drones to detect violations such as illegal parking, road and street encroachment, and unauthorized waste dumping. Photo: Thien Khoi
