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Export controls, the Shenzhen supply chain, and the geopolitics of the world’s drone-manufacturing superpower.

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China Unveils New Large Flying-Wing Kamikaze Drone, PD-2900
Ukraine

China Unveils New Large Flying-Wing Kamikaze Drone, PD-2900

A new twin-engine large flying-wing drone that bears a striking resemblance to kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has been revealed by China, according to Interesting Engineering. Long-Range Capabilities and Russian-Style Camouflage The PD-2900, as it’s been dubbed, boasts impressive specifications. With a flight time of 12 hours and a…

Chinese Special Ops Employ Bird-like Drone in Military Exercise
Ukraine

Chinese Special Ops Employ Bird-like Drone in Military Exercise

A recent video release by Chinese military-affiliated media showcased the use of a biomimetic drone disguised as a small bird by an elite Chinese special operations force during a shooting competition. The event, held on August 1, coincided with China’s annual commemoration of the founding of its armed forces, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The…

DJI Mavic 3 Classic Hits the Shelves with a Sweet 20% Off!
Ukraine

China Revamps Drone Export Controls Amid Global Scrutiny

China is set to modify its drone export regulations starting September 1, 2024, in a move that could reshape the global unmanned aircraft industry. According to a report from Reuters, these changes come as Western nations intensify their scrutiny of Chinese drone exports. Key Changes to Export Controls The Chinese Commerce Ministry announced several significant…

Leaked Video Reveal Possible DJI Air 3S Drone with Upgraded Camera
DJI

Leaked Video Reveal Possible DJI Air 3S Drone with Upgraded Camera

A video supposedly showing the DJI Air 3S shared on Twitter today has sparked excitement among drone enthusiasts, potentially unveiling the successor to the popular DJI Air 3 drone. The footage, reportedly captured at DJI’s Sky City facility in Shenzhen, China, showcases what appears to be a prototype of the DJI Air 3S, featuring a…

Chinese Graduate Student Pleads Guilty to Drone Photography Espionage Charges
China

Chinese Graduate Student Pleads Guilty to Drone Photography Espionage Charges

In a landmark case, Fengyun Shi, a Chinese graduate student, has pleaded guilty to charges under the Espionage Act for using a drone to photograph classified U.S. Navy vessels. This marks the first known conviction under a World War II-era statute prohibiting aircraft photography of sensitive military sites, as reported by The Verge. The Drone…

Senate Bill Release, 55 Drones Lost, Freefly Astro Prime, & Watts Innovations Shuts Down
Watts Innovations

Senate Bill Release, 55 Drones Lost, Freefly Astro Prime, & Watts Innovations Shuts Down

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update. We have 4 stories for you: Senate NDAA Bill Release, drone show loses 55 drones, the Freefly Astro Prime, and Watts Innovations is transitioning into something else. Senate NDAA Bill Release The Senate version of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was released this week without the…

PLA and US Unveil Dueling Drone Strategies for Taiwan Strait
Search & Rescue

PLA and US Unveil Dueling Drone Strategies for Taiwan Strait

The South China Morning Post reports that both China and the US have revealed plans for drone-centric military operations in the Taiwan Strait. These strategies highlight the growing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles in potential conflict scenarios. China’s Drone Blockade Simulation The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) recently disclosed a study detailing their capability to impose…

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