Export controls, the Shenzhen supply chain, and the geopolitics of the world’s drone-manufacturing superpower.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The US Department of Commerce has added drone manufacturer Autel Robotics to its “entity list,” effectively blacklisting the company, according to a statement from lawmakers. This move subjects Autel to export restrictions and specific licensing requirements for certain technologies and goods. Lawmakers’ Push for Scrutiny In November 2023, Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House…
According to a recent report from the South China Morning Post, China’s largest arms contractor, North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco), displayed an array of military drones at Eurosatory, one of Europe’s biggest defense exhibitions. This move highlights China’s growing competitive edge in the military drone export market. Spotlight on the Z-6B Unmanned Helicopter One of…
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