General Phan Văn Giang, Minister of National Defence, addresses the National Assembly on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

HÀ NỘI — The National Assembly on Thursday heard that the defence ministry reserves the right to down drones and light aircraft if they threaten security.

Delegates were discussing the Law on People's Air Defence, focusing on civil defence forces and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) – including drones and ultra light planes.

Defence minister General Phan Văn Giang said that the Ministry of National Defence (MOD) and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) are in charge of granting permits to the respective UAVs.

UAVs that do not fall into these categories must be registered at the MPS, but are under the management of the MOD.

Minister Giang said: “With a significant increase in the number of UAVs, our ministry might review and consider delegating licensing to authorities at the lower levels such as provinces, military districts or military forces.

“However, when necessary, the defence minister and public security minister can order flight cancellations.”

Regarding ultralight aircraft which can be used for art performances, minister Giang said that organisers need to pre agree the programme and the rehearsal.

Speaking about suppressive fire, he said that if the aircraft does not comply in cases of forced landing, the military reserves the right to bring it down, to ensure control and security. This regulation is also common in many other countries, he added.

On a separate topic, regarding the age at which people are allowed to take part in the people’s air defence, the defence minister said that volunteers above 18 and up to 45 for men and 40 for women, are welcome to join the forces.

Taking into consideration comments from NA deputies, the drafting committee revised and defined people’s air defence as an activity of the people, with the local military, civil defence and military reserve forces as the core to perform comprehensive activities and measures, which ensure the safety of people's lives and property, minimise damage to the national economy, contribute to preserving national defence capacity and participate in controlling and protecting the airspace, as well as preventing and mitigating the consequences of enemy air attacks. — VNS