Asean’s low-altitude economy needs a supply chain reform to take off

THE race to build a low-altitude economy (LAE) is accelerating across Asean. From drones delivering medical supplies to air taxis promising faster and cleaner urban transportation, the technologies shaping this frontier are already being tested across the region.

However, behind this momentum lies a critical weakness: Asean cannot lead in this space without the supply chains needed to sustain it. Without enablers such as domestic manufacturing, talent and regulatory coordination, the bloc’s low-altitude ambitions may never lift off.

Fragile foundations

Across the region, drones are already being used for precision agriculture, crop-spraying and remote-area logistics, while urban trial projects are underway for other use cases such as delivery services.