Washington and the drone industry: legislation, procurement, security reviews, and agency policy beyond the FAA.
Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division are building disposable combat drones for less than $800 each, dramatically undercutting commercial alternatives that cost up to $11,000 while delivering the same battlefield capabilities. The Attritable Battlefield Enabler, or ABE 1.01, costs just $740 at scale and provides small units with reconnaissance, target acquisition, and the ability to…
A one-year U.S.–China trade truce announced after President Trump met President Xi in Busan includes a pause of the Commerce/BIS “50% affiliates” rule, tariff trims, and commitments on soybeans, fentanyl precursors, and rare earths. It does not stop the NDAA clock that could put DJI on the FCC Covered List on December 23, 2025 if…
DJI issued its first official statement to DroneXL following the FCC’s unanimous vote earlier this week, warning that the company faces automatic addition to the agency’s Covered List in 55 days—potentially triggering retroactive bans that could affect recently released drones, such as the DJI Mini 5 Pro. The statement from Adam Welsh, Head of Global…
Security researcher, Konrad Iturbe has created an automated system that identifies companies selling DJI-based drones under alternative brand names by detecting the unique wireless “fingerprints” embedded in their FCC filings—a technical paper trail that reveals the true origins of drone hardware regardless of corporate branding. Iturbe’s detection methodology, detailed in his October 25, 2025 res
The United States drone hobby is under severe pressure from multiple directions simultaneously, threatening to transform the most accessible entry point into aviation into an increasingly expensive and restricted pursuit. While Canadian and European enthusiasts enjoy flourishing drone communities with sensible regulations, U.S. hobbyists face an impending manufacturer authorization freeze, abandon
Wisconsin lawmakers are circulating legislation that would authorize police to shoot down drones they deem threats to public safety—a move that directly contradicts federal law making it a felony to destroy any aircraft, including drones. The bill, coauthored by Rep. Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego) and Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin), would grant law enforcement unprecedented authority…
Florida-based Unusual Machines has secured its largest Pentagon contract to date, winning a deal to supply 3,500 drone motors and components to the U.S. Army—just months after Donald Trump Jr. joined the company as an adviser with a $4 million stake. The Financial Times first reported the contract award on Friday, reigniting conflict-of-interest concerns that…
A woman-led drone delivery startup has joined the exclusive ranks of FAA-certified air carriers after accomplishing in four years what cost tech giants hundreds of millions of dollars and significantly longer timelines. DEXA (Drone Express) announced it has secured Part 135 Air Carrier Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, making it the seventh company in…
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