IRINA Stakeholder Workshop 2026

The IRINA (IFR RPAS Integration into European Airspace) SESAR 3 JU Project Team hosted the IRINA Stakeholder Workshop at EUROCONTROL's Brussels headquarters on 17-18 February 2026.

Led by EUROCONTROL, the project features a consortium comprising CRIDA, DSNA, ENAIRE, HONEYWELL, INDRA, INECO, LFV, SAAB, SAFRAN, THALES AVS and THALES SIX.

The two-day hybrid workshop brought together operational experts, researchers and industrial partners to explore the latest outcome of the latest validation exercises of the IRINA solutions supporting the safe and scalable insertion of RPAS into controlled and uncontrolled European airspace.

Day 1 of the workshop focussed on the validation exercises from IRINA Solution 0379 – RPAS insertion into controlled airspace A to C, whilst Day 2 showcased the outcomes of validation exercises from IRINA Solution 0380 - RPAS accommodation into airspace classes D and G.

The workshop participants also explored key developments in:

• Detect and Avoid (DAA) technologies
• Interoperability with ACAS/TCAS systems
• Operational procedures in nominal and non-nominal situations
• Standardisation and regulatory activities
• Insights from encounter models and flight activities

Key takeaways from the workshop:

• Regulatory and standardisation efforts for RPAS and DAA systems would benefit from closer coordination and harmonisation, particularly regarding manoeuvre definitions, risk based performance criteria, and alignment with European regulatory initiatives.
• Continued validation, clearer performance specifications and deeper system level analysis of DAA performance and (command and control) C2 link reliability will enhance safe and reliable operations.
• Effective operational integration of RPAS into both controlled and uncontrolled airspace requires improved procedures and targeted training for remote pilots and air traffic controllers, fostering a common operational understanding of RPAS/DAA behaviour and terminology.
• While RPAS standards continue to evolve, areas such as training, C2 link definitions, intruder reporting and interoperability frameworks present opportunities for ongoing research, innovation and safety assessment improvements.