The UAS industry continues to evolve at a fast pace and regulators need to keep up with those advances to ensure safe operations. One of the most prominent frameworks guiding the European regulations is the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA). Developed by JARUS (Joint Authorities for Rulemaking of Unmanned Systems), SORA is a key framework that standardises how UAS operations are evaluated for safety across a wide range of scenarios. It has become a cornerstone for ensuring unmanned aircraft are deployed responsibly in diverse operational environments around the world. With the upcoming transition from SORA 2.0 to SORA 2.5, operators are discovering both new opportunities and challenges on their path to compliance.
What’s new in SORA 2.5?
Refined Ground Risk Assessment
While previous versions of SORA also focused on ground risk, SORA 2.5 goes further by refining how population density is analysed and introducing new drone-size categories (20 meters and 40 meters, instead of purely kinetic-energy-based thresholds). This new quantitative approach makes the risk classification more realistic. Drones that differ in size and speed have distinct safety considerations, and the new guidelines help create clearer thresholds to follow—particularly for flights over populated areas.
Updated Mitigation Measures
SORA 2.5 revises the strategic mitigations used to reduce Ground Risk Class (GRC), now listed as M1(A), M1(B), and M1(C). These address everything from operational restrictions (like sheltering which evaluates how effectively an area’s infrastructure can protect the population on ground, as well as maximum altitude or “no-fly” zones and flying at night) to real-time monitoring using ground-based observation methods or AI-powered systems. Importantly, the maximum possible GRC reduction is now capped at three levels instead of four, meaning drone operators may need to deploy additional fail-safes or demonstrate stricter protocols to achieve the same risk score reduction they had under SORA 2.0. Last but not least, VLOS was removed from the iGRC tables and now identifies as an M1 mitigation for the ground risk, while the M3 mitigation is removed, with the requirement for ERP now included in OSO #8.
Expanded Containment Protocols
Containment strategies in SORA 2.5 shift from a simple “basic vs. enhanced” structure to low, medium, and high-risk tiers. This increased gradation requires closer examination of factors like a drone’s maximum velocity, operational environment, and the likelihood of unintentionally flying outside the operational volume. Put simply, if you’re operating near sensitive areas or in busy airspace, you’ll likely need more robust containment measures to protect the public and meet regulatory requirements.
Revised Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs)
SORA 2.5 also clarifies and updates the Operational Safety Objectives that operators must fulfil to ensure safe, reliable drone operations. Although there is no real change in intent on the OSOs, they are updated and re-organised to better reflect the rest of the changes in the SORA. With this more detailed guidance, the new OSOs push operators toward a comprehensive approach to safety which addresses both operational and technical considerations throughout the entire flight lifecycle.
New Challenges on the Horizon
Reassessing Operational Parameters
The most immediate obstacle for operators is to re-check their flight plans and overall risk profiles. Plans approved under SORA 2.0 may need revisions to account for updated GRC calculations and new containment categories. For Avy, this means carefully revisiting each type of mission—whether it’s medical deliveries, mapping, or inspections—and ensuring our existing procedures align seamlessly with SORA 2.5’s refined requirements.
Navigating a More Complex Framework
SORA 2.5 demands deeper data analysis and more detailed justifications. This can increase the administrative workload, requiring operators to reinforce their regulatory knowledge and keep diligent documentation. At Avy, we see this as an opportunity to sharpen our internal processes, from safety reporting to pilot training, but there’s no denying that it adds a layer of complexity to our day-to-day operations.
Upgrading Technology and Training
Because SORA 2.5 specifically emphasises tactical mitigations and containment measures, operators may need to integrate new technologies—such as ground-based radar, AI-driven tracking tools, and advanced detect-and-avoid systems. These innovations certainly come with a learning curve. Pilots and technical teams require specialised training to use these measures effectively, and drone manufacturers may need to redesign certain UAV features or incorporate additional fail-safe mechanisms.
Financial Implications
Of course, all these updates come at a cost. Operators might face higher insurance premiums due to recalculated risk profiles, alongside the added expenses of compliance software, pilot training, and hardware upgrades. While these could be significant, the flip side is that successful compliance often opens new avenues—for instance, permissions to operate in more challenging environments.
What This Means for Avy — and Our Customers
At Avy, safety has always been at the heart of our operations. The transition to SORA 2.5 reinforces our commitment by clarifying exactly how we can enhance risk mitigation strategies. We’re investing in advanced containment technologies, refining our pilot training curricula, and further streamlining our risk assessments. These efforts allow us to remain at the forefront of safe drone operations while continuing to innovate in areas like medical deliveries, emergency response etc.
For customers, stricter guidelines mean greater peace of mind. If you’re relying on Avy’s drones to deliver critical supplies or to conduct high-stakes inspections, you can rest assured that each operation has been checked against the latest and most comprehensive safety framework. Additionally, the harmonisation of drone regulations across Europe (an ongoing goal within the SORA framework) makes it simpler for clients to expand their own operational footprints. As we adapt to SORA 2.5, we are not only meeting new benchmarks, we are laying the groundwork for safer, more efficient, and more widely accepted drone missions.
A Future Built on Safety and Innovation
Although SORA 2.5 raises the bar for drone operators, it also fosters an environment where safety and technological progress go hand in hand. Clearer risk assessments can pave the way for new capabilities, such as extended Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) missions in more complex and higher risk settings. By embracing these standards today, Avy—and the broader UAS industry—will be better positioned to explore tomorrow’s opportunities.
Adapting to SORA 2.5 involves short-term hurdles, but it will ultimately strengthen the UAS sector as a whole. By consistently demonstrating compliance with the highest safety standards, we can build the trust of regulatory authorities, partners, and the public—all while continuing to push the boundaries of what drones can achieve.