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Haye Kesteloo

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. Also on LinkedIn, Muck Rack, Instagram and YouTube.

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U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth’s Directive Targets Drone Dominance with Urgent Pentagon Overhauls
Department of Defense

U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth’s Directive Targets Drone Dominance with Urgent Pentagon Overhauls

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth released a directive on July 10, 2025, that pushes the Pentagon to speed up drone production and deployment, labeling uncrewed systems as the biggest battlefield shift in decades. This move addresses gaps in U.S. military capabilities against rivals producing millions of low-cost drones annually, setting firm deadlines to equip…

Wingtra Launches WingtraRAY Drone for Faster Surveying and Urban Flight Compliance
Wingtra

Wingtra Launches WingtraRAY Drone for Faster Surveying and Urban Flight Compliance

Swiss company Wingtra introduced the WingtraRAY, as a vertical takeoff and landing drone tailored for survey professionals seeking rapid data collection and simplified regulatory approvals. The drone enables users to map 100 hectares (250 acres) in just 10 minutes, marking a 40% speed increase over the previous WingtraOne GEN II model. Key Performance Capabilities WingtraRAY…

DJI Drones and Gear Hit Record-Low Prices for Amazon Prime Day 2025
Amazon

DJI Drones and Gear Hit Record-Low Prices for Amazon Prime Day 2025

Amazon Prime Day 2025, running July 8–11, brings steep discounts on DJI drones, stabilizers, and power stations, offering drone professionals and recreational pilots a prime opportunity to snag high-end gear at budget-friendly prices. Amazon’s official Prime Day page highlights DJI’s extensive lineup, with deals on compact drones and versatile accessories tailored for aerial photography and…

FAA's Bold BVLOS Proposal: End Waivers, Ignite U.S. Drone Innovation Boom
FAA

Senate Confirms Bryan Bedford as FAA Administrator to Lead Drone-Friendly Airspace Modernization

On July 9, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Bryan Bedford as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator, tasking the former Republic Airways CEO with overseeing critical airspace reforms, including drone integration. Bedford’s confirmation, secured by a 53-43 vote, according to the NYT, positions him to tackle urgent safety and modernization challenges at a pivotal moment…

Russia’s Record 728-Drone Attack on Ukraine Highlights Escalating Drone Warfare
Russia

Russia’s Record 728-Drone Attack on Ukraine Highlights Escalating Drone Warfare

On July 9, 2025, Russia launched an unprecedented aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying 728 drones and 13 missiles, marking the largest drone attack of the ongoing conflict. This escalation, reported by Reuters, came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump pledged additional defensive weapons to Kyiv, underscoring the intensifying role of drones in modern warfare and…

Lawsuit challenging NYC Drone Restrictions is allowed to proceed - An FPV pilot dives the Empire State Building in New York City, creating a stunning video in the process. However, many pilots will question if this drone flight was at all legal...
FAA

NYPD Seeks Drone Mitigation Authority to Protect New York City Skies

Last fall, a drone illegally soared over a Mets playoff game, hovering above tens of thousands of fans at Citi Field. This incident, coupled with thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles spotted over New York City’s tristate area last winter, underscores a growing concern: the NYPD can track drones but lacks the authority to neutralize potential…

Ukraine's Military Officially Adopts 'Vykhor' FPV Drone System for Combat Operations
Ukraine

Ukraine Boosts Drone Production with Western Deals Amid Escalating Russia-Ukraine Drone Warfare

On July 6, 2025, Ukraine and Russia exchanged hundreds of drone strikes, disrupting air travel and escalating their ongoing conflict, while Ukraine announced new partnerships to ramp up unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed deals with European allies and a major U.S. defense firm to produce “hundreds of thousands” more drones…

DJI Responds to Court Ruling, Denies Military Ties Despite Pentagon Designation - Trump Administration Targets Chinese Drone Imports in September Crackdown
Legal

Drones Catch Illegal Fireworks in California, Leading to Hefty Fines

On July 4, 2025, Sacramento’s skies dazzled with illegal fireworks, but drone surveillance by the Sacramento Fire Department (SFD) ensured violators won’t escape hefty fines. Using advanced drone technology, the SFD tracked illegal activity, capturing evidence that could cost homeowners thousands, as reported by Fox40. Drone Surveillance Enhances Enforcement SFD’s special fireworks task force depl

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