DJI Air 3S Drone Spotted: Potential Successor to the Air 3

Haye Kesteloo
June 20, 2024
China, Countering CCP Drones Act, DJI Air 3S, DJI Mavic 3, DJI Rumors, Drone Industry, Drone Technology, Drones, Skydio

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A recent video and photo shared by the drone website SBDJI showcase what appears to be the next iteration of DJI’s popular Air series, potentially named the DJI Air 3S or DJI Air 4. Captured during a test flight in Shenzhen, this new model boasts notable upgrades, hinting at an imminent release.

The DJI Air 3S Sightings

A flying enthusiast in Shenzhen filmed a DJI employee test-flying a new development aircraft, believed to be the DJI Air 3S. Thanks to the closer distance, the footage provides clearer visuals than previous leaks. According to industry insiders, this model is likely the DJI Air 3S, featuring a 1-inch main camera and a 1/1.3-inch telephoto camera.

深圳有人拍到大疆开发机试飞，据传就是DJI AIR 3S！（含视频）https://t.co/svFrTcbXbl pic.twitter.com/Os5EW1UCyP
— SBDJI (@SBDJI_CC) June 20, 2024

Watch the video on Twitter.

Expected Upgrades

The potential introduction of the DJI Air 3S is logical, considering the faster iteration rate of DJI’s more affordable consumer drones compared to their pricier prosumer and commercial models, such as the DJI Mavic 3 series. The Air 3S is expected to offer significant improvements in camera specifications and flight capabilities, aligning with DJI’s trend of incremental upgrades.

Industry Implications

The appearance of the DJI Air 3S coincides with increased lobbying activities by DJI’s competitor, Skydio. Skydio has been actively promoting the Countering CCP Drones Act, spearheaded by Representative Elise Stefanik, which aims to curb the influence of Chinese-made drones in the U.S. market. The release of a new DJI model could intensify this ongoing rivalry.

DroneXL’s Take

The emergence of the DJI Air 3S marks another step forward for DJI in the consumer drone market. With enhanced camera features and improved flight performance, this model is set to capture the attention of drone enthusiasts and professionals alike. Meanwhile, Skydio’s lobbying efforts and legislative actions highlight the competitive landscape in the drone industry. As these companies vie for market dominance, consumers can expect continuous advancements in drone technology and capabilities.

Read more about DJI’s recent developments and Skydio’s lobbying efforts on DroneXL.

By incorporating the latest news and trends, DroneXL ensures you stay informed about the evolving world of drones. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analyses.

Photo courtesy of SBDJI.cc

Last update on 2026-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo is a leading drone industry expert and Editor in Chief of DroneXL.co and EVXL.co, where he covers drone technology, industry developments, and electric mobility trends. With over nine years of specialized coverage in unmanned aerial systems, his insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, and cited by The Brookings Institute, Foreign Policy, Politico and others.

Before founding DroneXL.co, Kesteloo built his expertise at DroneDJ. He currently co-hosts the PiXL Drone Show on YouTube and podcast platforms, sharing industry insights with a global audience. His reporting has influenced policy discussions and been referenced in federal documents, establishing him as an authoritative voice in drone technology and regulation. He can be reached at haye @ dronexl.co or @hayekesteloo.