In honour of International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible achievements of women in industries that have historically been male-dominated — one of which is the drone industry. Women have made remarkable strides, breaking barriers and leading innovation in a field that is reshaping the world: Women in Drones.
In the UK, there are inspiring women making significant contributions across drone technology, piloting, policy-making, and more. Their work not only impacts the drone industry but also serves as a beacon for other women to pursue careers in tech, aerospace, and engineering. Here are 10 women who are helping to shape the future of drones and inspiring the next generation.
Head of Lowland Rescue Drone Search Department | Drone Lead at Leicestershire Search and Rescue | GIS and Data Manager & Drone Pilot at Forestry England
UAV Equipment Engineer – Programme Lead at Sellafield Ltd
UAV Survey Manager & Principal Land Surveyor MCInstCES at WSP in the UK
Director – CAA Future Flight Programme & Head of Future Safety & Innovation, previously Head of General Aviation & RPAS
Freelance at Kaiser Media: Drone Pilot, Trainer & Educator
Principal Consultant in UAS at Frazer-Nash Consultancy
CEO of Iprosurv & STEM Ambassador
Head of Services, Built Environment at Vantage UAV
Regulatory Lead at Windracers
Aviation Safety & Compliance Manager | Expert in Airspace Management & Airspace Change | Proven Leader in Aviation Regulations
Equally, our ARPAS-UK talent should not be overlooked either!
Director & CEO of ARPAS-UK, & Partner at The Drone Office
Director at ARPAS-UK, & Senior Consultant at Ebeni
Head of Membership & Operations at ARPAS-UK, Masters Student in Uncrewed Systems at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Membership & Engagement with ARPAS-UK
Why It’s Important to Support Women in Drones
The contributions of these women demonstrate that gender is not a barrier to success in the drone industry. But there is still work to be done to ensure equal representation and opportunities for women. Companies, organisations, and industry leaders must actively support women in the industry by promoting diversity, offering mentorship, and creating spaces where women can thrive.
Supporting women in the drone sector is not just about closing the gender gap; it’s about fostering innovation. Diverse teams bring unique perspectives, resulting in better problem-solving and more creative solutions. As the drone industry continues to grow, the need for diverse voices will only become more critical.
Inspiring the Next Generation
If you are a woman thinking about pursuing a career in drones or technology, look to the inspiring women above as role models. With the right mindset and support, there is nothing standing in the way of your success. It’s time to break the mold and contribute to the exciting future of drones!
Together, we can make the drone industry a place where women not only have a seat at the table but can lead, innovate, and inspire future generations.
What can companies in the UK Drone Industry do to support women?
1 – Sign The Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter. ARPAS-UK is a supporting signatory. The website has a great Resource Hub.
2 – ALTA is a mentoring platform for women in the aviation and aerospace industry, run by the Royal Aeronautical Society. Join as a mentor or mentee.
3 – Let’s keep pushing for change and encourage more women to join the drone revolution. Happy International Women’s Day!
8 March 2025