SkyRover X1 Drone Exposed: Security Experts Uncover Direct Links to DJI Infrastructure

Security researcher Kevin Finisterre, working with peer experts, has now linked the SkyRover X1—the drone reviewed recently by Shawn of Air Photography—straight to DJI’s cloud via code hidden in its smartphone app. This confirms earlier hunches that SkyRover is little more than a renamed DJI Mini 4 Pro, a finding that arrives as U.S. lawmakers push for restrictions on Chinese-made drones.

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App Analysis Reveals DJI References

Together with others, Finisterre dissected the SkyRover app and found explicit ties to DJI’s ecosystem. He shared code snippets showing URLs like “https://flysafe-7qgvdlsy.aasky.net/api/v3/flysafe_users/unlimit_user_verify,” which point to DJI FlySafe services.

“Busted already @konrad_it @Bin4ryDigit, it has connections to @DJIGlobal @DJISupport @DJIEnterprise via @DJIFlySafe references, and ‘AASKY’ references. That took like 20 minutes? lol Pathetic,” Finisterre posted on X.

Collaborators like Konrad Iturbe noted similarities in packaging methods, such as “-sec naming (secneo packing),” mirroring techniques seen in other DJI-related software.

“Aaaand here it is. As I predicted the Knowact drone “Caelone 01” is actually sold and branded as Skyrover X1, in order to separate the brand from the manufacturer (Knowact gets banned, rotate a new “OEM”, Skyrover brand is intact). Classy move @DJIGlobal,” said Konrad in a post on X.

The app’s interface closely resembles the DJI Fly app, with a simple layout for flight controls, smart video generation, and media transfers. A QR code shared by Finisterre leads to an app download page emphasizing intuitive controls for aerial photography, but the underlying code betrays its origins.

Design Parallels with DJI Mini 4 Pro

The SkyRover X1’s physical and performance specs echo the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Weighing under 250 grams (0.55 pounds), it features 360-degree obstacle avoidance via front, rear, and bottom sensors, a 1/1.3-inch camera sensor capturing 4K video at 60 frames per second, and a transmission range of 15 kilometers (about 9.3 miles).

Shawn’s review highlights its reliability: “After eight weeks of testing, I can confirm its reliability.” Intelligent modes like Active Track, waypoint missions, and hyperlapses perform well, much like DJI’s offerings. This resemblance raised red flags early, as the drone’s foldable design and rotatable camera for vertical filming align closely with DJI’s compact prosumer model.

Echoes of Previous DJI Clones in the U.S.

This development fits a growing trend of DJI-inspired drones entering the American market. The Specta Air, for instance, shares hardware with the DJI Air 3, but assembles in Malaysia to sidestep some restrictions. Similarly, Anzu Robotics’ Raptor series licenses DJI technology from the Mavic 3 line, offering NDAA-compliant alternatives with U.S.-based data handling for enterprise users. These clones provide familiar features—such as 4K imaging and extended flight times—while navigating regulatory hurdles.

Navigating Regulatory Pressures and Availability

DJI faces mounting scrutiny in the U.S., with the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act mandating a security review that could lead to a ban by year’s end. Almost all DJI models are already out of stock at major retailers, prompting pilots to seek alternatives.

For now, the SkyRover X1 is available on Amazon, priced around $898 for the Fly More Combo with three batteries and a charging hub. Pilots will value its sub-250-gram weight for relaxed FAA rules, as well is its DJI Mini 4 Pro-like performance.