Washington state drone news: regulations, industry developments, innovative uses, events, and the impact on businesses and communities in the state.
Welcome to your Weekly UAS News Update! We have three stories for you: DJI launches two new Agras products, Anzu Robotics with automated flight planning, and then lastly, a drone rescue in Washington. Let’s get to it! DJI Product Launches…
The European Union is preparing to expand its sanctions regime against Russia, with a particular focus on Chinese companies involved in manufacturing military drones for Moscow’s war effort. The proposed 15th sanctions package aims to tighten restrictions on Russia’s military…
A heated debate is underway in Washington as Republican lawmakers advocate for legislation to ban DJI drones, citing national security concerns. However, in a short film from the Financial Times, [former] DJI executives and industry experts warn that such a…
A weather-proof drone deployed by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office played a pivotal role in rescuing two mushroom hunters lost in Skamania County’s treacherous backcountry during harsh winter conditions on November 17, 2024, reports KOIN. The rescue operation, which involved…
Washington‘s Wildlife officials are taking to the skies with drones to revolutionize how they track swan and goose populations. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has initiated a multi-year drone survey program across three counties, according to…
Skydio, America’s largest drone manufacturer and a vital supplier to Ukraine‘s military, is grappling with an unprecedented supply chain crisis after Beijing imposed sweeping sanctions, blocking access to essential components, according to the Financial Times. Supply Chain Disruption Threatens Operations…
In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, drone-based LiDAR technology has unveiled two extensive medieval cities hidden in the mountains of Uzbekistan, challenging our understanding of ancient trade routes and urban development. The findings, recently published in Nature, demonstrate how modern aerial…
In recent years, DJI drones have become ubiquitous in the U.S., used by everyone from First Responders and small businesses to hobbyists and farmers. The reasons are simple: DJI makes highly capable, safe, reliable, affordable, and easy-to-fly drones that are…
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…
The United States has taken significant action by imposing sanctions on two Chinese companies and a Russian affiliate for their involvement in the production and shipment of attack drones used in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, as reported by Reuters. This…
North Korea has accused South Korea of flying drones carrying anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang, escalating tensions between the two nations. The allegations, reported by The Associated Press, have led to threats of retaliation from the North. Alleged Drone…
The Myanmar military junta is stepping up its drone game, taking a page from rebel groups but cranking it up to 11. According to a recent report from The Washington Post, they’re now using a mix of souped-up commercial drones…
The rapid evolution of Drone Technology is transforming modern warfare, forcing militaries worldwide to adapt quickly. Drones have become a game-changer in conflicts like those in Ukraine and the Middle East, posing significant challenges for traditional military strategies. Drones: The…
A drone played a crucial role in locating and apprehending a suspect wanted for felony domestic violence charges in Richland, Washington. The incident, which occurred on October 3, showcased how law enforcement is increasingly turning to Drone Technology to enhance…
Weekly UAS News Update We have four stories this week: Let’s get to it! GAO Report on Foreign-Made Drones The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the Department of Interior’s (DOI) stance on foreign drones. Currently, the DOI…
India‘s gearing up for a major military upgrade with a multi-billion dollar drone deal with the US. The talks are heating up as PM Modi and President Biden huddle in Washington. This isn’t just any old purchase – we’re talking…
The NYPD is ramping up its efforts to gain the authority to control unmanned drones, as the threat of drone-based terrorism looms large over cities like New York. With drones becoming increasingly common, the NYPD is pushing for the ability…
So far this Wildfire season, aerial firefighting activities have faced the persistent nuisance of 21 “public drone incursions,” the National Interagency Fire Center reported. These incidents have predominantly occurred in the U.S. West, with five cases in California, three in…
A tense standoff in downtown Olympia, Washington, was defused thanks to the strategic deployment of a high-tech drone. The incident, which took place on Thursday, showcased the effectiveness of Drone Technology in law enforcement operations, according to KOMO News. SWAT…
Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov is a man on a mission. He’s not a soldier, but he’s playing a crucial role in the Russia–Ukraine war. Flash is a radio enthusiast turned drone expert, using his knowledge to help Ukrainian troops combat the…
Russia has reportedly started producing a new long-range attack drone called the Garpiya-A1, which uses Chinese engines and parts. This drone has been deployed in the war in Ukraine, causing damage to critical infrastructure and resulting in both civilian and…
A dozen Republican lawmakers are pushing the Biden administration to address the use of Chinese-manufactured agriculture drones, citing national security risks. In a letter seen by Reuters, the lawmakers, including Representatives Elise Stefanik, Ashley Hinson, and John Moolenaar, have asked…
U.S. lawmakers are sounding the alarm over what they perceive as a potential security threat from Chinese drone manufacturer DJI. The company is accused of using an unusual licensing agreement to sidestep restrictions on its products in the American market.…
The United States National Drone Association™ (USNDA) has officially announced its formation, setting up shop in Washington, D.C., with its national headquarters to be based at Full Sail University in Florida. This new organization aims to accelerate the U.S. Drone…
Wilmer Puello-Mota, a 28-year-old former U.S. Air Force member, has appeared in Russian propaganda videos operating drones for Moscow’s forces in eastern Ukraine. This surprising development comes after Puello-Mota fled the United States to avoid jail time for child pornography…
A humpback whale missing its tail fluke has been spotted off the coast of Washington state, with drone footage capturing the heartbreaking sight. The whale, named Catalyst, was first observed on July 5 and has since traveled about 370 miles…
The National Park Service (NPS) has implemented widespread restrictions on uncrewed aircraft, commonly known as drones, in most National Parks across the United States. This decision comes in response to growing concerns about visitor safety, wildlife disturbance, and noise complaints.…
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has become a proving ground for AI-enhanced Drone Technology, transforming modern warfare. According to a recent Washington Examiner report, these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now capable of autonomous target acquisition and engagement, raising both…
Search and Rescue Advancements Drones have revolutionized search and rescue operations in Utah‘s challenging terrain. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become indispensable tools for locating lost hikers and individuals in distress. Equipped with advanced zoom and infrared cameras, drones…
Montgomery County, Maryland, is set to double its pioneering drone first responder program in the coming months, according to The Washington Post. The program, which has already surpassed 1,000 flights, uses drones to respond to 911 calls within seconds, often…
Norwegian 
English 
Chinese 
Dutch 
Finnish 
French (Canada) 
French (France) 
German 
Hindi 
Hungarian 
Indonesian 
Italian 
Japanese 
Korean 
Panjabi 
Portuguese 
Russian 
Spanish (Mexico) 
Spanish (Spain) 
Swedish 
Turkish 
Ukrainian 
Vietnamese