Challenges and Future Trends of UAV Communications

Dear Colleagues,

The advances in networks to 6G and beyond promise to revolutionize unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications, which transform UAVs from mere flying devices into intelligent, autonomous nodes within a seamlessly integrated air–ground–space network. This paradigm shift is driven by the convergence of cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, semantic and goal-oriented communications, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). These advancements will enable unprecedented applications, from large-scale IoT connectivity and smart grid inspection to ultra-reliable emergency response and real-time semantic-aware decision-making.

This Special Issue aims to collate the latest research and innovative solutions to the challenges of embedding UAVs into the 6G ecosystem. We invite contributions that explore novel architectures, algorithms, and protocols to unlock the full potential of UAVs as aerial base stations, relays, and data mules, while ensuring security, energy efficiency, and seamless integration with existing infrastructures such as satellite and terrestrial networks.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• AI-Driven UAV Trajectory Optimization and Resource Management for 6G Networks;
• Semantic and Goal-Oriented Communication for Autonomous UAV Swarms;
• UAV-Assisted Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC);
• Network Digital Twin for UAV Performance Prediction and Management in B5G/6G;
• UAV-Terrestrial-Satellite Integrated Networks: Architecture, Protocols, and Routing;
• Energy-Efficient UAV Communication and Charging for Sustainable IoT Services;
• Security, Privacy, and Trustworthy AI for UAV Networks;
• UAV-Assisted Edge Computing and Caching for Delay-Sensitive Applications;
• Channel Modeling and Waveform Design for UAV Communications in Terahertz and mmWave Bands;
• UAV Applications in Critical Infrastructures: Smart Grid Inspection, Precision Agriculture, and Delivery Logistics;
• Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS)-Empowered UAV Communications for Enhanced Coverage.

Prof. Dr. Wei Wu
Dr. Mingzhe Chen
Prof. Dr. Lisheng Fan
Dr. Tianwen Guo
Guest Editors

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