Department of Defense
Department of Defense: News on drone policies, military applications, technology advancements, procurement updates, and the impact on national security.
AUVSI’s Fight Against AB 1160: Fearmongering Masquerading as Patriotism
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has launched a fierce attack on California’s Assembly Bill 1160 (AB 1160), claiming it threatens national security by channeling state tax dollars to Chinese military companies via drone purchases. In a letter…
DJI Challenges US Security Agencies in NDAA Deadline Push
Chinese drone maker DJI has formally requested five US national security agencies to evaluate its products ahead of a critical December 31, 2025 deadline established by National Defense Authorization Act provisions. In a letter sent to the Department of Homeland…
DJI Takes DoD to Court, DJI Mini 4 Pro Gets SDK, and Two Teens Saved by a Drone
Welcome to your weekly UAS news update! We have three stories for you this week. First, DJI takes the Department of Defense to court over its Chinese military company label. Second, the popular DJI Mini 4 Pro gets a huge…
DJI Seeks Court Intervention to Overturn U.S. DoD’s Chinese Military Company Label
On March 14, 2025, SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. and its subsidiary Shenzhen Dajiang Baiwang Technology Co., Ltd. (collectively “DJI”) filed a motion for summary judgment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, challenging the U.S. Department…
UK Secures $40M Deal to Supply Advanced Drones to Ukraine
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…
U.S. Military Prioritizes Drones and Counter-Drone Tech in $50 Billion Budget Shift
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…
North Dakota’s $11 Million Drone Integration Boost Signals Bright Future Amid Replacement Debate
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…
Major Shakeup in Blue sUAS List: Eight Vendors Removed, Three New Added
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…
Missouri SB 296 Sparks Debate Over Chinese Drones in Law Enforcement
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…
Danish Municipalities Fly 223 DJI Drones Despite U.S. Security Blacklist
In a striking revelation from Danish television network TV 2, at least 71 municipalities across Denmark are operating a fleet of 223 drones manufactured by Chinese firm Da Jiang Innovations (DJI), a company blacklisted by U.S. authorities over national security…
Spain Bolsters Defense with $18.7 Million Skydio X10D Drone Contract
Spain’s Armed Forces are set to enhance their military capabilities with a fleet of Skydio X10D drones, acquired through an €18 million (approximately $18.7 million USD) contract with U.S.-based Skydio, a leader in autonomous drone technology. As reported in Skydio’s…
Boeing Moves to Sell Insitu Drone Unit as Part of Strategic Overhaul
Boeing has put its Insitu drone subsidiary on the market, signaling a significant shift in its business strategy as the aerospace giant seeks to divest non-core assets and refocus on its primary commercial and defense operations. The move, first reported…