
Ascent Helius: The next big thing in small UAVs?
The newly unveiled Helius drone has caught our attention, and from what we can see in the released footage and specifications, it appears to be a game-changer
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The newly unveiled Helius drone has caught our attention, and from what we can see in the released footage and specifications, it appears to be a game-changer

On March 6, 2025, Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett introduced the Defense Against Drones Act (DADA), or HR1907, a federal bill designed to give property owners the right to shoot down drones flying at or below 200 feet over their land using a legally obtained shotgun. Announced just days ago, this legislation arrives amid growing concerns…

At Skydio’s recent Elevate FY26 employee conference in New York, the U.S.-based drone startup handed out an unusual piece of company swag: Nike-branded socks emblazoned with the phrase “DON’T F*CK WITH SKYDIO” in bold, blue capital letters. Far from the standard corporate fare of logos or tame slogans, this expletive-laden message radiates aggression and defiance.…

Skydio, a prominent U.S. drone manufacturer known for its advocacy against Chinese-made drones due to alleged data security risks, is now under scrutiny for a marketing campaign targeting law enforcement agencies. According to allegations from sources, including a Police sergeant from a large California department who wrote to DroneXL on condition of anonymity, reveal that…

On March 8, 2025, a tense standoff in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood put the SFPD’s drone program under scrutiny. A suspect allegedly fired at a police drone—marking a potential first since the department began using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in 2024—before engaging officers in a shootout. The suspect was wounded and hospitalized with non-life-threatening…

Tiktok dropping loads of DJI leaks, a new exclusive front view image of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro here today and a lot of empty shells found in China. After almost two months of waiting in silence, the wheels are slowly beginning to turn towards the release of the Mavic 4 pro. Lets ‘dive’ in…

This is the HoverAir X1 Pro, and this is the gauntlet. The very first stage of this test is the tree tunnel here. It’s the one that kills the most drones, but it’s not the most dangerous stage of the route. From there, I transition to something a bit more open, yet almost every single…

We have three stories for you this week: the drone industry loses a major player, a Texas bill that would allow drones to be shut down, and lastly, the DJi Mavic 4 leaks. Industry Pioneer and Public Safety Visionary Passes Away A sad first story: industry pioneer and public safety visionary Romeo Durscher has sadly…

The latest update to the DJI Fly app, version 1.16.4, rolled out on March 6, 2025, introduces a significant new feature that enhances flight safety and flexibility for drone pilots. According to details from the official DJI download center, this update allows users to manually update the Home Point when the One-Tap Return-to-Home prompt appears,…

DJI's upcoming Matrice 400A enterprise drone has hit the FCC, suggesting a release is coming sooner than first expected.

The UK has partnered with US-based company Anduril to supply advanced attack drones to Ukraine, bolstering its defense capabilities against Russian aggression in the Black Sea. This $40M (£30M) agreement, announced by the UK Ministry of Defence via a post on X, follows the delivery of over 10,000 drones to the front line, signaling a…

The drone industry buzzes with anticipation as DJI prepares to launch the Matrice 400, a heavy-lift enterprise drone hinted at in recent leaks. Amid this excitement, FCC filings have uncovered a curious component: the “M400 RC sub2G SDR module” with FCC ID SS3-Sub2G2412. This module, detailed in documents dated November 20, 2024, hints at a…

The Law Enforcement Drone Association (LEDA) has issued a strong rebuttal to the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) following an opinion piece by AUVSI President and CEO Michael Robbins, published on DroneLife on February 24, 2025. In a detailed letter, LEDA President Jon Beal criticizes Robbins’ call for immediate restrictions on drones and…

A recently surfaced Russian military drone piloting manual, shared by Samuel Bendett from the Center for Naval Analyses on LinkedIn, offers a unique perspective on learning to fly drones with a blend of technical guidance and humorous analogies. The comic-style guide, translated from Russian to English, emphasizes the importance of preparation, gentle handling, and thorough…

The Drones, Robotics, and AI Summit 2025, held today, at the Rockefeller Center in New York City, brought together over 300 industry leaders to explore the future of autonomous systems. Organized by Oliver Mitchell of ff Venture Capital (ffVC), in collaboration with the New York Robotics Network and Genius NY, the sold-out event highlighted NYC’s…

As the United States withdraws military aid from Ukraine amid political friction, Kherson’s governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, has issued a dire warning about the future of warfare. In an interview with The Independent, Prokudin highlights how Russia’s technological advancements in drones and weaponized robotics have outstripped Europe’s military preparedness, exposing vulnerabilities that could reshap

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is redirecting its focus toward drone technology and counter-drone systems as part of a significant budget reshuffle, moving approximately $50 billion from legacy programs to new priorities. This shift, detailed in a recent Business Insider article, aligns with Rep. Adam Smith’s emphasis on five critical areas—missiles, missile defenses, drones,…

North Dakota is poised to solidify its leadership in the drone industry with a newly approved $11 million appropriation aimed at integrating its Vantis unmanned aerial system (UAS) with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Pathfinder radar program. This development, detailed in a recent article by the North Dakota Monitor, promises to expand commercial drone applications…

As of March 6, 2025, the Blue sUAS Cleared List—a roster of U.S. government-approved drones—has undergone a dramatic update, shrinking from 15 vendors to 10 in just a week. According to a comparison of the list between February 28 and March 6, 2025, eight vendors have been dropped, while three new ones have joined the…

On March 3, 2025, the drone industry lost a giant. Romeo Durscher, a Swiss-born pioneer who helped transform drones into life-saving tools for public safety and humanitarian good, passed away after a months-long battle with cancer. It is hard to believe he’s gone. For years, I’d see Romeo’s warm smile and hear his infectious enthusiasm…

A proposed Missouri law aiming to ban law enforcement from purchasing drones manufactured in China, such as DJI drones, has stirred controversy in the state capital. Senate Bill 296 (SB 296), introduced by Sen. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville), seeks to address national security concerns but has drawn sharp opposition from law enforcement and public safety officials…

Flying fpv is the kind of aFlying fpv is the kind of activity that only the brave at heart can stand and will try to repeat after their first flight. Imagine...

A leaked screen recording proves the gimbal design of the Mavic 4 pro will roll past 90 degrees... up to 180 degrees! That is upside down people, both ways.

Taking a Stand in Challenging Times Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, the drone industry has been transformed. What was once primarily a tool for photography, delivery, and recreation has become an essential component of modern defense strategy. As a leading drone news platform, DroneXL has documented this evolution firsthand, witnessing how unmanned aerial systems…
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