This marks a significant milestone as CT UAV becomes the first Vietnamese UAV manufacturer to aim for compliance with the rigorous requirements of the global aerospace industry. The standardization process is expected to take between six and twelve months, laying the groundwork for a national benchmark in UAV production.

CT UAV, a subsidiary of CT Group, is collaborating with SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) to implement AS9100D and ISO 9001 standards across its entire operational framework. This includes its network of factories, R&D centers, and production processes.

AS9100D is an aerospace quality management system standard developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG). It is globally recognized and requires strict risk management, traceability of materials, supply chain oversight, and high-level product safety protocols.

ISO 9001, on the other hand, is a foundational international quality management standard applicable to all business types. It emphasizes process standardization, transparency, efficiency, and continuous improvement across research, design, and production.

Nguyen Thi Nam Tran, Regional Director of Business Assurance Solutions at SGS Indonesia & Vietnam, noted that AS9100D is one of the most stringent standards in existence, demanding global-level integration in both management and personnel systems.

While ISO 9001 sets the stage for quality management, AS9100D builds upon it with more robust requirements specifically for aerospace-grade production. Certification by SGS - the world’s most reputable auditing and certifying body - enhances CT UAV’s credibility and integrates it into international aerospace supply chains.

SGS experts predict that CT UAV may become the first Vietnamese UAV enterprise to receive AS9100D certification across its entire production ecosystem. Once complete, this model could serve as a reference for other domestic firms pursuing international aerospace quality standards.

CT UAV is headquartered at 20 Truong Dinh, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, and operates five UAV factories within the CT Group’s High-Tech R&D Center in Thuan An. To meet the rising global demand, the company is also preparing to invest in a new UAV technology complex at the ASEAN Super Head Quarter in Hung Thuan Commune, Tay Ninh Province.

According to SGS Vietnam experts, CT UAV must fulfill extensive technical and managerial requirements to meet AS9100D standards. These include end-to-end risk management throughout the product lifecycle, change control, material traceability, flight safety assurance, and first article inspection. ISO 9001 serves as a foundation to streamline these processes and ensures overall system transparency, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

CT UAV is also aiming to integrate AS9100D, ISO 9001, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices into a green, energy-efficient, and sustainable production model. The anticipated benefits include up to 25% productivity gains, over 30% reduction in defects, lower operating costs, and enhanced safety.

These international certifications are vital for accessing global markets, including the U.S., Europe, and Japan.

With guidance and certification from SGS, CT UAV’s achievement of AS9100D and ISO 9001 marks a turning point for Vietnam’s UAV industry - establishing a globally recognized benchmark for aerospace-grade production standards.

SGS, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company. Operating in over 140 countries with more than 98,000 employees, SGS is a trusted partner of leading corporations in aerospace, energy, and advanced technology sectors.

Du Lam