Washington and the drone industry: legislation, procurement, security reviews, and agency policy beyond the FAA.
An unauthorized drone flight has forced the suspension of aerial firefighting efforts against the Upper Applegate Fire in Jackson County, Oregon, report KTVZ. The incident highlights the growing challenge of drone interference in wildfire suppression operations and recalls the region’s history of significant wildfire events. Drone Sighting Halts Aerial Operations On Friday evening, fire personnel…
Complaint Alleges Illegal Drone Flight During ALCS Game 4 A Texas man, Jason Carvell Banner, has been charged for flying an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in restricted airspace surrounding Globe Life Field in Arlington on October 19, 2023. The incident occurred during Game 4 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) between the Texas Rangers…
A recent video and photo shared by the drone website SBDJI showcase what appears to be the next iteration of DJI’s popular Air series, potentially named the DJI Air 3S or DJI Air 4. Captured during a test flight in Shenzhen, this new model boasts notable upgrades, hinting at an imminent release. The DJI Air…
Skydio, a US-based drone manufacturer, has announced the formation of its National Security Advisory Board, featuring a group of experts in defense and military technology. The board aims to guide Skydio’s strategy and tactics in the rapidly growing defense sector. Skydio’s Role in the Future of Autonomous Drones As a pioneer in autonomous flight, Skydio…
Hoverfly Technologies, a leading manufacturer of tethered drone systems, has reportedly reached a significant milestone with over 500 systems sold to the US Army. The company recently received a $14 million order for 120 systems, spare parts, and accessories, further solidifying its position as a leader in tethered drone technology. Versatile Tethered Drones Enhance Military…
Tester Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Chinese Drones Over Spying Concerns U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) plans to introduce a Senate companion to the Countering CCP Drones Act on Thursday, June 19, 2024. The bill, originally authored by Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) in the House, aims to restrict Chinese-made drones, particularly those from market…
The Gila National Forest in New Mexico is facing a very high risk of wildfire, with recent incidents highlighting the ongoing threat. As firefighting efforts intensify, a new danger has emerged: unauthorized drone flights near active fire sites. These drone incursions pose significant risks to aerial firefighting operations and have led to renewed warnings from…
John McBride here. I wanted to give my thoughts on this whole "DJI ban is coming" and provide a perspective on the drone industry and the latest
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