Haye Kesteloo

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.

6,334

Articles

273

Beats covered

2020

Writing since

Sep 8

Latest story

Counter-Drone

UK’s RapidDestroyer Microwave Weapon Neutralizes Drone Swarms, Signals Shift in Counter-UAV Tech

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has successfully tested a high-power microwave weapon, dubbed RapidDestroyer, designed to neutralize drone swarms, a growing threat on modern battlefields like Ukraine. Developed by a Thales-led consortium, the truck-mounted system uses radio frequency energy to disable drone electronics, offering a cost-effective countermeasure against unmanned aerial vehicles (UA

Haye KestelooApr 17

Skydio

US Drone Makers Struggle to Break Free from Chinese Parts Dependency

The Pentagon’s push for thousands of American-made drones to counter China’s dominance has exposed a harsh truth: U.S. drone manufacturers are heavily reliant on Chinese components, creating a national security vulnerability (Note: not a data security issue…) that’s proving difficult to unravel. A recent Forbes article by David Jeans highlights the technical, economic, and regulatory…

Haye KestelooApr 16

Search & Rescue

DJI Launches Zenmuse S1 Spotlight and Zenmuse V1 Speaker for Enterprise Drones

Today, DJI, the Chinese drone manufacturer, introduced two new enterprise payloads: the Zenmuse S1, a high-powered spotlight, and the Zenmuse V1, a speaker system. Both are designed for the Matrice 350 RTK and Matrice 300 RTK drone platforms, as showcased on DJI’s enterprise website. These tools aim to enhance visibility and communication for professionals in…

Haye KestelooApr 16

DJI

ParaZero Launches SafeAir M4 Drone Parachute System with Automotive Airbag Technology

ParaZero has announced its newest drone safety system for the DJI M4, the SafeAir M4, featuring a significant redesign that incorporates automotive airbag technology for faster and more reliable deployment. According to ParaZero, the system represents their latest advancement in drone safety technology after “over a decade since our first SafeAir System.” Advanced Deployment Mechanism…

Haye KestelooApr 15

DJI

Drones Transform Everest Expeditions: Safer Routes, Cleaner Peaks

In April 2025, cargo drones soared above Everest Base Camp, assisting the Sherpa Icefall Doctors in navigating the perilous Khumbu Icefall. This marks a pivotal shift in high-altitude mountaineering, where advanced drone technology is reducing risks and tackling environmental challenges. Raj Bikram Maharjan, CEO of Nepal-based Airlift Technology, shared exclusive insights with ExplorersWeb, detail

Haye KestelooApr 15

Skydio

Skydio Faces Backlash in Viral Roast Over Spy Mailer Scandal

A viral YouTube video titled “The Ultimate Skydio Roast: Surveillance, Stupidity, and Straight-Up Shame” by Wedgenbigg has reignited controversy surrounding Skydio’s questionable marketing tactics, spotlighting a scandal first uncovered by DroneXL. The video delivers a scathing critique of Skydio’s decision to send law enforcement promotional mailers embedded with AT&T SIM cards capable of trackin

Haye KestelooApr 14

Drones Prove Highly Effective at Deterring Grizzly Bears in Montana, Study Shows

Dedrone

Secret Service Counter-Drone Tech Sparks Safety Concerns at Reagan National Airport

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…

Haye KestelooApr 14

DJI

NY Drone Surge Sparks Privacy Fears: NYCLU Report Exposes 65% Growth in Government UAVs

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…

Haye KestelooApr 13

Haye Kesteloo

The drone industry moves fast. Stay ahead of it.