Industry

Funding rounds, partnerships, layoffs, and the market math underneath the drone headlines.

798

Articles

102

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Reporters on beat

Oct 19

Last updated

China

Chinese Researchers Develop Drone-Based Laser Reflection System, Raising New Defense Concerns

Chinese military researchers have developed a novel drone-mounted device capable of redirecting powerful ground-based laser beams, potentially transforming small unmanned aircraft into precise directed-energy weapons platforms, according to research published in the peer-reviewed journal Acta Armamentarii reports the South China Morning Post. The breakthrough, led by associate researcher Li Xiao a

Haye KestelooDec 15

Texas

Texas School Security Drones: A Controversial Proposition Raising Technical and Safety Questions

A recently filed Texas House bill that proposes using armed drones for school security has drawn significant attention from both drone industry experts and education stakeholders. House Bill 462, authored by State Rep. Ryan Guillen (R-Rio Grande City), suggests deploying remote-human-operated aerial devices equipped with “air-based irritants” and other non-lethal weapons as part of enhanced…

Haye KestelooDec 10

Industry

DJI Calls for Technical Assessment and Due Process in Response to NDAA Provisions

DJI issued a response to DroneXL regarding the drone-related provisions in proposed Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Haye KestelooDec 9

Department of Defense

DoD Unveils Classified Counter-Drone Strategy Amid Growing UAS Threats

The Department of Defense has introduced a new classified strategy to counter unmanned aerial systems, marking a significant shift in how the U.S. military approaches the rapidly evolving drone threat landscape. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III signed the strategy document, which aims to address both immediate and long-term challenges posed by increasingly sophisticated…

Haye KestelooDec 9

Technology

Fraunhofer IFAM and Droniq Complete Historic 112-Mile Maritime Drone Flight

In a landmark achievement for civilian drone operations, Fraunhofer IFAM and Droniq GmbH have successfully executed the first regulated beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flight over open water, covering 112 miles (180 kilometers) from Cuxhaven to Helgoland and back. The groundbreaking flight marks the first successful integration of unmanned aircraft into established manned…

Haye KestelooDec 9

Autel Robotics

NDAA 2025 Drone Provisions: Security Evaluation Could Lead to Automatic Ban of Chinese Drones

The recently released National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025 includes provisions that could significantly impact the U.S. drone industry, particularly regarding Chinese-manufactured unmanned aircraft systems. While some industry groups are celebrating the exclusion of the Countering CCP Drones Act, a careful analysis of Section 1709 reveals potentially far-reaching implicat

Haye KestelooDec 9

Technology

Swiss Researchers Develop Revolutionary Bird-Inspired Drone with Robotic Legs

Swiss researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking fixed-wing drone that challenges conventional drone design paradigms by incorporating bird-inspired robotic legs, enabling it to walk, jump, and take off like its biological counterparts. The innovative platform, dubbed RAVEN (Robotic Avian-inspired Vehicle for multiple ENvironments), represents a significant advancement in addressing the limitation

Haye KestelooDec 8

Autel Robotics

Congress Mandates Security Evaluation of DJI and Autel Drones in FY25 NDAA Bill

The newly released Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes provisions requiring a comprehensive security evaluation of Chinese drone manufacturers DJI and Autel Robotics, potentially leading to restrictions on their use in the United States. The legislation mandates that within one year of enactment, a designated national security agency must evaluate whether communicat

Haye KestelooDec 8

Industry

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