Haye Kesteloo is the Editor in Chief and Founder of DroneXL.co, where he covers all drone-related news, DJI rumors and writes drone reviews, and of EVXL.co, for all electric vehicle news. Haye can be reached at haye @ dronexl.co or @hayekesteloo.
On Monday, Democratic Representatives Rick Larsen and Bennie Thompson raised urgent questions about the U.S. Secret Service’s deployment of counter-drone technology near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), citing its role in triggering erroneous air traffic alerts last month. In a sharply worded letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Transportation…
A startling 65% increase in government drone registrations across New York State since 2022 has raised alarms about unchecked surveillance, according to a New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) report based on 2024 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data. With 876 drones now operated by 127 agencies, including a massive expansion by the NYPD, the proliferation…
Syracuse, New York, is poised to launch a pioneering “Drone as First Responder” program, expanding from high-priority 911 calls to any incident deemed to enhance public safety, according to a City Hall news release. Backed by a $619,000 budget for five drones, the initiative promises to bolster police efficiency amid staffing shortages but has sparked…
Latest Tariff Exemptions Leave Drones Exposed The Trump administration announced exemptions for certain Chinese-made electronics from its steep 125% reciprocal tariffs, offering relief to products like smartphones, laptops, and semiconductors, reports Reuters. However, drones, including those from market leader DJI, remain subject to a cumulative 170% tariff, as confirmed by U.S. Customs and Borde
In Dublin’s Blanchardstown suburb, drones hum steadily above, delivering coffee and pizza in under 16 minutes—a glimpse into a future where instant, autonomous delivery could reshape retail. Manna Aero, a Dublin-based startup, has logged 200,000 flights, outpacing giants like Amazon and Alphabet’s Wing in suburban skies. Founder Bobby Healy claims drones are “an Amazon slayer,”…
A new drone system from Freefly Systems, the Flying Sun 1000, promises to transform nighttime operations by delivering stadium-level illumination from the air. Equipped with 288 high-power LEDs, this quadcopter generates 300,000 lumens, enabling construction, emergency response, and filmmaking in near-daylight conditions. Unlike traditional lighting solutions, the drone offers mobility, rapid depl
In a Kyiv basement, volunteers solder circuits and assemble carbon-fiber frames, crafting first-person view (FPV) drones that have become Ukraine’s lifeline in its war against Russia. A recent milestone by Vyriy, one of Ukraine’s leading drone manufacturers, marks a shift: drones built entirely from Ukrainian-sourced components, free from reliance on foreign supply chains. This achievement,…
On April 12, 2025, the States of Jersey Fire Service introduced a £200,000 ($250,000 USD) Mercedes Sprinter van as its new incident command unit, equipped with advanced features including a drone for enhanced situational awareness. This high-tech vehicle marks a significant upgrade for the island’s firefighting operations, replacing an outdated command vehicle. Advanced Design Tailored…
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