DroneDJ

A new firmware update for the DJI Air 3S has optimized the drone’s flight performance, making an already impressive device even more desirable. However, this demand comes with a twist — the Air 3S is back-ordered at all major US retailers. Luckily, its predecessor, the DJI Air 3, remains a fantastic alternative for drone enthusiasts eager to get airborne.

A Chinese national has been apprehended at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), moments before boarding a flight to China, in connection with an unauthorized drone flight over the highly secure Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Texas is leading the charge in intelligent infrastructure with a 92-mile stretch of State Highway 130 (SH130) transforming into an autonomous drone hub.

In response to the escalating challenges posed by drones, the Department of Defense (DoD) has launched a comprehensive strategy to address this evolving security threat. The initiative, detailed in an unclassified fact sheet, outlines measures to protect US interests against adversaries increasingly leveraging drones enhanced by artificial intelligence, autonomy, and networking technologies.

Geopolitical tensions are redefining global markets, with drones emerging as a focal point of strategic competition. Manufacturers in China have begun limiting the export of key drone components to the US and Europe, signaling a significant shift in global supply chains. These changes could have far-reaching implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the drone industry at large.

Tech giant DJI has released an important firmware update for its flagship drone mapping and surveying tool, the Zenmuse L2 payload. Firmware v04.00.1001 packs in several user-centric improvements.

The United States National Drone Association (USNDA) has thrown its support behind the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), lauding provisions aimed at weakening China’s grip on the US drone market while strengthening domestic manufacturing. Representing a coalition of national security and defense professionals, the USNDA is a non-profit organization advocating for the safe and innovative use of drones in national security, public safety, and other critical sectors.

In the quiet skies of New Jersey, an enigma has emerged — clusters of large, seemingly SUV-sized drones have been sighted hovering ominously over critical infrastructure and residential areas. From power lines to reservoirs, these unidentified flying objects have sparked public concern and prompted an active FBI investigation.

The National Football League (NFL), Justice Department, and FBI are urging Congress to act swiftly to bolster defenses against rogue drones threatening public safety at stadiums and critical facilities. Testifying before a House subcommittee on Tuesday, NFL security chief Cathy Lanier emphasized the urgency, stating, “The time to act to keep fans safe is now.”

The release of the final text of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025 has sparked heated debate, especially concerning provisions targeting Chinese drone manufacturers, including DJI and Autel Robotics.

The long-anticipated final text of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025 has been released, setting the stage for a potential ban on Chinese-manufactured drones. Negotiated between House and Senate lawmakers, the legislation incorporates the provisions of the Countering CCP Drones Act — targeting not just drone makers DJI and Autel Robotics, but also their subsidiaries, affiliates, and licensors.

Teledyne FLIR has announced an exciting new partnership with Gremsy, integrating its Boson radiometric thermal camera module into Gremsy’s gimbaled Vio F1 drone payload. This advanced, lightweight electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) payload is designed to tackle a range of critical missions, from infrastructure inspection to disaster relief, firefighting, search and rescue (SAR), and public safety operations.

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is taking a bold step into drone defense technology by partnering with Anduril Industries. This collaboration will focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with national security by developing advanced counter-drone systems (C-UAS) to protect US and allied forces from evolving drone threats.

Spexi, a Canada-based drone imagery powerhouse, has closed a $11.5 million Series A funding round led by Blockchange Ventures. With this injection of capital, Spexi plans to rope in more pilots to capture and deliver data-rich, ultra-high-resolution drone imagery to both the public and private sectors.

Tech giant DJI is on a roll, with back-to-back leaks and revelations shaking up the drone world. Hot on the heels of details about the foldable DJI Flip, the company’s flagship Mavic 4 Pro drone has now appeared in the FCC database, indicating an official launch could be just around the corner.

Recent FCC filings and leaked videos on social media suggest that tech giant DJI is gearing up to launch a new beginner-friendly drone, DJI Flip. With a sleek foldable design, safety-focused features, and advanced technology, the Flip could hit the market as early as January 2025.

DJI FlightHub 2 recently received a powerful upgrade, introducing version 10.1.8 with a host of innovative features designed to streamline drone operations. At the forefront of this update is the ability to livestream multiple drone feeds simultaneously, a game-changing enhancement for teams managing multiple DJI Dock units.

As rogue drone incidents escalate worldwide, D-Fend Solutions is stepping up to meet the challenge with cutting-edge technology and significant financial backing. The counter-drone specialist has announced a $31 million investment round led by Israel Growth Partners (IGP), alongside existing investor Vertex Ventures and new contributor Vertex Growth.

Autel Robotics says its popular EVO Nano and EVO Lite series drones have achieved critical European certifications — C0 and C1, respectively — aligning with the European Drone Regulation (EU) 2019/945. But what do these certifications mean for drone enthusiasts, and why are they a big deal? Let’s break it down.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is exploring drone technology to monitor its fleet of 6,000 buses in New York City, a move that has sparked heated discussions among stakeholders. The MTA aims to use drones for creating real-time maps of bus locations to improve operational efficiency. This initiative is part of the MTA’s broader effort to enhance its tracking systems, which currently rely on Yard Tracker, a system some argue has accuracy issues.

Drone delivery company DroneUp says it has achieved Part 135 air carrier certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification empowers DroneUp to operate as a full-fledged air carrier, capable of delivering goods via drone Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and over populated areas.

UK-based Moonrock Drone Insurance has introduced a new drone insurance product tailored for hobbyists and recreational pilots. Backed by the reputable Hiscox insurance group, the offering promises comprehensive protection for drone enthusiasts.