Department of Defense: News on drone policies, military applications, technology advancements, procurement updates, and the impact on national security.
An internal Department of Homeland Security memo reveals that Mexican drug cartels have authorized the deployment of Weaponized drones against U.S. Border Patrol agents and military personnel, marking a significant escalation in the sophistication of cartel drone operations. According to…
The Civil Air Patrol is set to perform a series of drone calibration flights in Washington D.C.’s highly restricted airspace, marking an unusual occurrence in one of the nation’s most tightly controlled aerial zones. The flights, scheduled from January 13…
We have four stories for you this week: Autel and others added to the DoD CMC list, DJI releases the Matrice 4, Walmart ends their contract with DroneUp, and the DoD expands LAANC. Let’s get to it! Autel Added to…
Nevada Senate Bill 11 (SB11), which took effect January 1, 2025, has introduced significant restrictions on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) use by public agencies and law enforcement in Nevada. New Restrictions on Drone Sources The law requires Nevada’s Department of…
China‘s Commerce Ministry issued a sharp rebuke to U.S. investigations into potential security risks posed by Chinese drone systems, calling the probe “extremely irresponsible” and demanding an immediate halt to what it termed “erroneous practices.” The statement comes in response…
The U.S. Department of Defense has designated Autel Robotics Co., Ltd. as a “Chinese military company,” marking a significant expansion of scrutiny over Chinese drone manufacturers. The designation, published in the Federal Register on January 7, adds Autel to a…
The Pentagon has announced a new $8.8 million contract with Israeli company XTEND that will see the department acquire Precision Strike Indoor & Outdoor (PSIO) drones for combat teams in the field. The U.S. Department of Defense‘s Irregular Warfare Technical…
A fascinating new book uncovers how the U.S. military’s decades-long practice of converting manned aircraft into remotely piloted vehicles laid the groundwork for today’s Drone Technology. Author Frederick A. Johnsen details this largely overlooked aspect of aviation history in “Q-Birds:…
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg found himself in hot water this week after dismissing widespread reports of mysterious drones over New Jersey, suggesting the Garden State would be an unlikely choice for unusual aerial activity. His comments came as federal agencies…
Senator Rand Paul has blocked legislation aimed at expanding drone detection capabilities for state and local authorities, despite recent concerns over mysterious drone sightings across northeastern states, reports The Hill. The Kentucky Republican, who is set to chair the Senate…
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) for drones over more than 20 critical infrastructure locations across New Jersey, responding to a recent surge in reported drone sightings. The 30-day restrictions, announced Thursday, cover key facilities…
Hill Air Force Base officials have confirmed recent unmanned aerial system sightings in the vicinity of the installation, adding to a growing pattern of drone activity reported near military facilities across the United States. The sightings come as federal authorities…
Recent drone sightings across New Jersey and other East Coast states have been confirmed as legitimate civilian and law enforcement operations, according to National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. Speaking to CNN’s AC360 on Monday, Kirby emphasized that extensive analysis…
Ohio‘s largest military installation, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, experienced its first-ever confirmed drone incursions, forcing a four-hour airfield shutdown and adding to a growing pattern of unmanned aircraft incidents at U.S. military installations. Base spokesman Purtiman confirmed multiple…
Welcome to your weekly UAS news update! We have three key stories for you this week: an NDAA update, Agri Spray and EAVision’s release of the J100 spray drone, and Mini 5 leaks. NDAA Update: Key Developments The much-anticipated NDAA…
Beijing has begun restricting exports of crucial drone components to Western nations, potentially disrupting Ukraine‘s military drone program and signaling an escalation in US-China trade tensions. The equipment squeeze follows earlier sanctions on US military contractors and precedes tighter drone…
The rapid evolution of drone warfare in the Russia–Ukraine conflict has exposed critical gaps in America’s counter-drone capabilities, with regulatory complexity emerging as a major obstacle to deploying effective defensive systems. The conflict has demonstrated unprecedented applications of both aerial…
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…
German defense giant Rheinmetall is partnering with US-based software Specialist Auterion to develop unified control standards for autonomous military drones, marking a significant shift in battlefield drone operations, reports the Financial Times. The collaboration aims to address one of the…
The United States has unveiled a significant new military aid package for Ukraine worth $988 million, which includes various unmanned aerial systems and related technology. The announcement came during the Reagan National Defense Forum in California on December 7, 2024,…
Drone Industry veteran Vic Moss is raising urgent concerns about potential restrictions on Chinese-made drones being considered for inclusion in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Speaking in his personal capacity and on behalf of the Drone Service Providers Alliance…
North Dakota lawmakers are pushing forward with ambitious legislation to replace nearly 90% of state-owned drones manufactured in China, addressing mounting national security concerns about critical infrastructure surveillance. The proposed bill, introduced by Republican Representative Mike Nathe, would allocate $15…
OpenAI’s recent partnership with defense technology company Anduril marks a significant departure from its previous stance on military applications, with direct implications for the drone defense sector. The collaboration aims to develop AI models for countering unmanned aerial threats, representing…
In a concerning development for military security, unidentified drones were detected hovering over three US Air Force bases in East Anglia, England, during November 2023. The suspicious activity occurred between November 20-22 at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell,…
American drone makers, such as Skydio and Anduril, are increasingly using Ukraine‘s battlefield as a marketing tool to secure lucrative Department of Defense contracts, raising questions about the ethics and effectiveness of this promotional strategy. In a well-researched Kyiv Independent…
We have three stories for you this week: DJI sues the Department of Defense, a CNN drone that injures three people, and Brinc drones releases the Guardian. Let’s get to it! DJI Sues Department of Defense First up, DJI is…
In a display of concerning technical misunderstanding, prominent politicians and media figures discussed DJI’s lawsuit against the Department of Defense on Fox Business’ “Mornings with Maria,” according to a recent broadcast featuring Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and referencing Rep. Elise…
After 16 months of unanswered correspondence to the United States Department of Defense seeking explanation of why they were designated as a Chinese military company, and after being redesignated in January of 2024 without notice of reason or justification, DJI…
DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) challenging its designation as a “Chinese military company.” The Legal action, initiated on October 18, 2023, seeks to remove DJI from the Pentagon’s…
Anduril Industries has just unveiled its groundbreaking Bolt family of autonomous drones, marking a significant leap in military technology. This new lineup introduces two distinct models: the Bolt for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and the Bolt-M for precision strike…
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