China

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

565

Articles

Beats covered

Reporters on beat

Aug 30

Last updated

Bell

Beijing’s Drone Ban Takes Effect Friday, Squeezing DJI On Its Home Turf

Beijing's near-total drone ban takes effect May 1 with an April 30 registration deadline, hitting DJI as it fights a $1.56B FCC loss in US court.

Haye KestelooApr 27

Skydio

Skydio’s Adam Bry Says DJI Tried To Buy The Company In 2014. Twelve Years Later, DJI Can’t Sell Its Drones In Much Of America.

Skydio CEO Adam Bry confirms DJI tried to acquire the company in 2014. The rejected deal now anchors the American drone industry against Chinese competitors.

Haye KestelooApr 23

DJI Mavic 4 Pro Hits Amazon With Up To 19% Discounts: Your Complete Buying Guide - DJI Mavic 4 Pro Gets Major Camera Update with In-Flight Focal Length Switching - DJI Mavic 4 Pro Unboxing & First Flight - An Upgraded Drone All Around

United States

DJI Tells Ninth Circuit 25 Unreleased Products Are Now In Regulatory Limbo, With $1.56 Billion At Stake In 2026

DJI filed a sharply worded brief on April 15, 2026 in its Ninth Circuit fight with the FCC, putting specific numbers on the damage for the first time: 14

Haye KestelooApr 22

Aloft

China’s “Land Aircraft Carrier” Powers Drones Mid-Flight

The US approach has leaned toward laser because the precision suits long-range, single-drone missions. China's microwave approach suits

Rafael SuárezApr 21

Ukraine

IARPA Wants Drone Engines That Rot: New RFI Targets Bio-Derived Propulsion for Missions That Leave No Trace

IARPA’s RFI-26-01 seeks bio-derived materials for drone turbines and motors that degrade after missions. Responses due May 15. Analysis and what it means.

Haye KestelooApr 21