Featured News

Trending News

28 July 2025
<div class="body-wrap yf-1sauy26">
<div class="body yf-1ir6o1g">
<div class="atoms-wrapper">
<div class="wrapper yf-eondll" data-testid="inarticle-ad">
<div id="sda-INARTICLE-e1742004-1bcb-3c32-954d-bec0a1ab2b53-1" class="sdaContainer dv-all sda-INARTICLE-e1742004-1bcb-3c32-954d-bec0a1ab2b53-1 yf-1m4k8v7 overflow margin visible placeholder" data-testid="ad-container" data-ad-unit="/22888152279/us/yfin/ros/dt/us_yfin_ros_dt_mid_center" data-ad-size="970x250,728x90,300x250,fluid" data-ad-region="main-dynamic" data-ad-loc="mid_center" data-google-query-id="CLuquevS4I4DFUezjggdQoMCKA">
<div id="google_ads_iframe_/22888152279/us/yfin/ros/dt/us_yfin_ros_dt_mid_center_0__container__">The Droning Company has published myriad articles this year about aerial combat and the emergence of cheap, consumer drones as viable warriors that can wreak havoc on larger foes. As the "Davids" of combat drones appear to be beating down the Goliaths, many countries have awakened to a new reality and are seeking sleeker, less expensive, and more strategic UAVs for their fleets.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The United State military has certainly opened its eyes.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>President Trump is putting the Pentagon on notice to accelerate drone production, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is rallying to produce "small lethal drones that the modern battlefield requires." In fact, Hegseth proposes that "every squad in the U.S. Army be equipped with small, one-way attack [ ie.&mdash;kamikaze and/or FPV ] drones" by the end of the government's fiscal 2026 on September 30. That's about 14 months away.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>BreakingDefense.com reported Hegseth is currently focusing on Group 1 and Group 2 drones that weigh approximately 55 pounds, and the Pentagon soon will be expecting bids from manufacturers that can build these drones for less than $2,000 each. The goal is to acquire 10,000 small drones over the next 12 months.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>So, what does this mean for investors?</div>
</div>
</div>
<figure class="yf-8xybrv">
<div class="image-container yf-1gfnohs">
<div class="image-wrapper yf-1gfnohs">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="image-wrapper yf-1gfnohs">First, don't necessarily expect that the old guard will win these contracts.</div>
<div class="image-wrapper yf-1gfnohs">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="image-wrapper yf-1gfnohs">Second, the U.S. purchase of 10,000 small drones could tap out at $20 million initially&mdash;not exactly the usual bountiful military contract. (Although, the U.S. Army may quickly discover it needs more than 10,000 drones to accomplish combat missions&mdash;a fact that would expand purchases significantly.)</div>
</div>
<figcaption class="yf-8xybrv"> Obviously, "usual suspect" drone tech firms such as <a href="https://www.avinc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AeroVironment</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kratosdefense.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kratos Defense and Technology</a> will be looking to jump into the payday&mdash;if they can produce and deliver precisely what the Army's new drone strategy requires, and at the right price. But while AeroVironment enjoyed a 50 percent stock surge since June 2025, the company's FPV drone, the Switchblade, can reportedly cost between $50,000 to $170,000 each.</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
<div class="read-more-wrapper" data-testid="read-more">
It's even worse over at Kratos, as its XQ-58A Valkyrie drones can cost more than $4 million apiece.
Even up-and-coming drone companies, such as <a href="https://www.palantir.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Palantir</a>, which offers its Red Cat's Edge 130 drone at $43,000, are proposing cost factors in excess of what the Army appears to want to pay&mdash;especially as the brief is for small, expendable drones.
Is the smart money, so to speak, on companies like AeroVironment and Kratos?
It seems those manufacturers are already far behind the race to produce the type of drones Hegseth wants.
As a result, it appears to be anyone's game as to who the U.S. Army will rely upon to make its reliable and inexpensive FPV drone force.
Rather than reviewing historical contract awards, investors should probably look at drone companies who are already close to delivering what the U.S. Army is asking for.
<h5 class="yf-1090901">See News Report on Hegseth and Drone Tech</h5>
<iframe style="width: 667px; height: 375px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EarqpCjxQhQ?si=4IVlbgP5JZurlxYi" width="667" height="375" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
</div>
</div>
</div>

How is "Year of the Drone" Shaping Up for Investors?

25 July 2025
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently toured an exhibition of 18 U.S. drone prototypes at the Pentagon.
Showcased were drones produced rapidly&mdash;an average of 18 months from idea to working model&mdash;using readily available, off-the-shelf components.
Both President Trump and Hegseth are advocates of speeding up combat drone production, supporting innovation, and reducing regulatory impediments.
"Drones are the biggest battlefield innovation in a generation," said Hegseth, "and they have accounted for most of this year's casualties in Ukraine. Our adversaries collectively produce millions of cheap drones each year, and the U.S. military is lacking needed quantities of lethal small drones."&nbsp;
To achieve those "needed quantities," Hegseth announced three goals:
<ul>
<li>Prioritizing the purchase of American-made drones and parts with help from industry's private capital.</li>
<li>Arming combat units with low-cost drones made by America's world-leading engineers and artificial intelligence experts.</li>
<li>Training with drones in realistic battlefield scenarios, led by leaders who are not risk averse.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h5>Learn More</h5>
<iframe style="width: 670px; height: 376px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qWBjFJ5SIco?si=jUk2YfJqJrCmzQz0" width="670" height="376" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 668px; height: 376px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZX1zxX6HQSg?si=gUQkAEZLtL3Jo_6B" width="668" height="376" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Pete Hegseth's Three Goals for Producing Small Drones

23 July 2025
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Timothy Brazzel</a>
Homeland Security just proposed a&nbsp;new drone law that could change everything for pilots in the U.S. In the video below, I break down the Digital Flight Authorization System&nbsp;that would require drone operators to submit their identity, location, and purpose&nbsp;before takeoff. This affects&nbsp;ALL drones&nbsp;&mdash; DJI, FPV, toy drones, and more.
Learn...
<ul data-end="5402" data-start="5214">
<li data-end="5250" data-start="5214">
What the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/hr3334/BILLS-119hr3334ih.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">H.R.3334</a>&nbsp;bill means
</li>
<li data-end="5278" data-start="5251">
Why it&rsquo;s being proposed
</li>
<li data-end="5327" data-start="5279">
How it impacts hobbyists &amp; commercial pilots
</li>
<li data-end="5358" data-start="5328">
What you can do to prepare
</li>
<li data-end="5402" data-start="5359">
Why there&rsquo;s still hope for drone creators
</li>
</ul>
<h5>Prepare for Your Potential Future</h5>
<iframe style="width: 677px; height: 381px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5kOZdrL83nE?si=uakGTqh8EGSvPpFr" width="677" height="381" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Will Your Drone Be Grounded?

22 July 2025
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.expouav.com/exhibition/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuav25-pi-education-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commercial UAV Expo</a>, the world&rsquo;s leading commercial drone trade show and conference, announced a partnership with <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://pilotinstitute.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pilot Institute</a> to deliver a robust slate of educational opportunities for drone pilots at this year&rsquo;s event, taking place September 2-4, 2025 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
The partnership brings together Commercial UAV Expo&rsquo;s global platform and Pilot Institute&rsquo;s expertise in drone training to provide pilots of any experience level with hands-on instruction, in-depth knowledge, and professional development designed to improve skills, enhance compliance, and advance business and careers.
The Pilot Institute programming includes:
<h5><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.expouav.com/session/cutting-edge-industry-insights-essentials-for-every-drone-pilot/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuav25-pi-education-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Workshop: Cutting Edge Industry Insights: Essentials for Every Drone Pilot</a></h5>
Tuesday, September 2 &ndash; 9:00AM &ndash; 2:00PM
<h5>Online-to-Onsite Courses</h5>
These courses combine on-demand learning and culminate in a final module in-person during Commercial UAV Expo.
<ul>
<li><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.expouav.com/session/drone-business-made-easy-course/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuav25-pi-education-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee">Drone Business Made Easy</a></li>
<li><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.expouav.com/session/drone-mapping-modeling-and-surveying-course/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuav25-pi-education-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee">Drone Mapping, Modeling &amp; Surveying</a></li>
</ul>
<h5>Pilot Hub Content</h5>
Pilot Institute will provide the following curated sessions in the Pilot Hub, a dedicated area on the Exhibit Floor just for pilot education and training:
<ul>
<li><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.expouav.com/session/scaling-smart-in-small-markets/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuav25-pi-education-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee">Scaling in Small Markets</a></li>
<li><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.expouav.com/session/composition-the-building-blocks-of-great-photography/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuav25-pi-education-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee">Composition, the Building Block of Great Photography</a></li>
<li><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.expouav.com/session/mapping-mastery-workflows-that-win-jobs/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuav25-pi-education-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee">Mapping Mager: Workflows that Win Jobs</a></li>
<li><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.expouav.com/session/using-heavy-lift-uas-to-deliver-lifesaving-tools-in-search-and-rescue/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuav25-pi-education-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee">Using Heavy Lift UAS to Deliver Lifesaving Tools in Search and Rescue</a></li>
<li><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.expouav.com/session/deep-dive-into-part-108/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuav25-pi-education-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee">Deep Dive into Part 108</a></li>
</ul>
<h5>Live Drone Demonstration - Heavy Lift UAS Drone Rescue Demonstration</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/HKVEL94qVz07AefBaVDdPLMPysAABdAl8kZ6S0mY.png" alt="" width="450" height="228" />
<h5 style="text-align: center;"><a style="color: #ba372a; background-color: #f1c40f;" href="https://www.expouav.com/pilot-institute/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuav25-pi-education-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Full details of the Pilot Institute offerings can be found here.</a></h5>
&ldquo;Our partnership with Pilot Institute underscores our commitment to empowering drone pilots with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry,&rdquo; said Lee Corkhill, Group Event Director, Commercial UAV Expo.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re proud to bring our proven training programs to Commercial UAV Expo, where the global drone community comes together,&rdquo; said Greg Reverdiau, Co-Founder of Pilot Institute. &ldquo;This partnership allows us to reach pilots on the ground with practical, hands-on education that helps them achieve their goals and elevate the entire industry.&rdquo;
The Onsite Workshop and Online + Onsite Training Courses are available as add-ons through the Commercial UAV Expo registration portal. Availability is limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged.
<h5>About Commercial UAV Expo</h5>
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.expouav.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commercial UAV Expo</a>, presented by <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.commercialuavnews.com/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuav25-pi-education-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commercial UAV News</a>, is an international conference and expo exclusively focused on commercial UAS integration and operation. The event will take place September 2-4, 2025, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, NV. Commercial UAV Expo is produced by Diversified&rsquo;s technology portfolio, which also includes Commercial UAV News, Commercial UAV Forum, Geo Week, Geo Week Newsletter, Geo Business (UK), and Digital Construction Week (UK).
<h5>About Pilot Institute</h5>
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://pilotinstitute.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pilot Institute</a> makes aviation easy with 60+ free and paid online courses that have helped over 300,000 drone and airplane pilots throughout the United States. The company is an FAA Safety Team Industry Partner and TRUST Test Administrator. At Commercial UAV Expo 2025, Pilot Institute will introduce its first in‑person training workshops, adding live, small‑group instruction to its industry‑leading digital catalog.

Commercial UAV Expo Partners with Pilot Institute

Photo courtesy University of Michigan
18 July 2025
A flight corridor for testing drones and electric aircraft will link the University of Michigan&rsquo;s one-of-a-kind autonomy research and proving ground facilities in Ann Arbor to Michigan Central&rsquo;s real-world, urban testbed and innovation district in Detroit.
Announced today by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the roughly 40-mile research skyway will be the centerpiece of M-Air, a new public-private partnership U-M is launching for advanced air mobility. M-Air is to be part of the existing public-private partnership Mcity, which provides a connected and automated vehicle test facility under the U-M Transportation Research Institute.&nbsp;
The state of Michigan is providing $1 million in anchor support for M-Air as part of a broader advanced air mobility initiative.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The next frontier of mobility is moving from land to sky, where drones and electric aerial vehicles can transform how we move people and goods. Michigan Engineering&rsquo;s M-Air partnership will play an important role in propelling the state to national leadership in advanced aviation technology and developing the workforce we need to sustain it,&rdquo; said Karen Thole, the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering and a professor of mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering.&nbsp;
<h5>The M-Air Public-Private Partnership</h5>
M-Air will enable advanced air mobility researchers and companies to test their technologies in realistic environments, with a particular focus on beyond-line-of-sight operation of autonomous aircraft as well as battery powered aircraft that use vertical take off and landing (VTOLs), like helicopters. Current regulations restrict most drones to within the range a pilot can see unaided, which limits their usefulness. Both drones and electric VTOLs have been identified as national priorities in a recent White House&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/06/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-unleashes-american-drone-dominance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">executive order</a>.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It is an exciting time in aerospace with the confluence of electric powertrain, distributed-propulsion-enabled new aircraft designs and autonomous operation. There is an enormous cross-over of talent and technology between electric and automated vehicles and electric aircraft and drones,&rdquo; said Venkat Viswanathan, the director of M-Air and an associate professor of aerospace engineering.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Drones are already used in agriculture, insurance and infrastructure management, and as the tech stack matures, drones have the potential to be the cheapest, fastest way of transporting goods. M-Air will help solve technical problems and help answer regulatory questions that will enable advanced aircraft to fulfill their potential.&rdquo;
The effort is funded through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), with infrastructure support from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). It will be an expansion to the&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://mcity.umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mcity test facility</a>, which provides physical, remote, mixed-reality and fully simulated environments for testing connected and automated vehicles. In addition to building and managing ground testing facilities, Mcity will manage user access for the flight corridor in partnership with MDOT and Michigan Central.
&ldquo;MDOT continues to deliver on its mission to connect people and serve communities across all modes of transportation, and we are particularly excited to explore the safe integration of this novel aviation technology as one more mobility option for the citizens of Michigan,&rdquo; said Bryan Budds, director of the MDOT Office of Aeronautics. &ldquo;Additionally, we look forward to working with the University of Michigan and communities along the corridor to ensure the thoughtful deployment of this technology in the region.&rdquo;
<h5>M-Air Corridor and "Iron Bird"</h5>
M-Air&rsquo;s new &ldquo;iron bird&rdquo; testbed facilities will enable users to demonstrate the flight performance of new batteries and motors on the ground before trial runs in the air. The flight corridor will be outfitted with a drone traffic management system that meets national safety standards, enabling drones to share low-altitude airspace even beyond the operator&rsquo;s line of sight. It will also support swarm operations testing, with multiple drones working together on a shared objective.&nbsp;
The corridor will run through U-M Dearborn, providing access to the state-of-the-art facility to engineering faculty and students at a second U-M campus.
At its other end point,&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://michigancentral.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michigan Central</a>&nbsp;is a business incubator focused on advanced mobility, supporting start-ups and small businesses that may benefit from easy access to flight testing. It&rsquo;s also home to the&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://michigancentral.com/advanced-aerial-innovation-region/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Advanced Aerial Innovation Region</a>, which focuses on commercial drone development.
&ldquo;M-Air is Michigan&rsquo;s launchpad for the next wave of autonomous flight,&rdquo; said Ben Marchionna, chief innovation ecosystem officer at the MEDC. &ldquo;It gives researchers and founders a real-world airspace testbed to safely deploy, learn fast and get hardware ready to power Michigan&rsquo;s next generation of innovative industries. That&rsquo;s the &lsquo;Make It in Michigan&rsquo; promise: invent it, build it and grow it&mdash;without leaving the state.&rdquo;
One way that U-M intends to use M-Air is to help advance the Michigan Medicine&rsquo;s Survival Flight service, which transports patients and organs for transplant. Already, helicopters could benefit from drone detection systems to prevent collisions in case drones stray into the wrong airspace. And in the future, Survival Flight may use electric aircraft or smaller, lighter drones to transport organs and medicines.&nbsp;
&ldquo;As an air medical team, Survival Flight is proud to support the launch of M-Air, which strengthens Michigan&rsquo;s leadership in advanced mobility and supports a future where every second saved has the power to save a life. By enabling real-world testing of beyond-line-of-sight and VTOL capabilities, M-Air will help ensure drones are safely and effectively integrated into critical response operations,&rdquo; said Donna Robinson, director of Survival Flight.
Among its educational initiatives, M-Air will participate in the Perot Jain TechLab series, which enables students to collaborate with entrepreneurs. That&rsquo;s just one of the ways it will help incubate, attract and nurture aerospace startups and improve student experiential learning from K-12 to graduate education.
M-Air is currently finalizing its founding industry members. Members of M-Air will help guide the initial research directions as well as the construction of the testing facilities and corridor, identifying use cases and collaborating on grant proposals.
In addition to the $1 million from MEDC&rsquo;s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, U-M will contribute another $1 million.
Previously, the M-Air name belonged to a netted outdoor drone testing space near the aerospace engineering and robotics departments. That facility will now be called M-Air Net.

Michigan Launches M-Air Research Skyway

17 July 2025
There has been a fair amount of talk about David and Goliath-style asymmetric warfare as Ukraine's drone force has punished Russian invaders&mdash;and even more discussions have launched since the global surprise of the Ukrainian military's <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/when-a-mouse-annihilates-a-lion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Operation Spider Web</a> that decimated Russian bombers on their own airfields.
It appears the United States fears it might be next&mdash;if a small, agile threat goes up against our expensive and woefully inadequate drone tech.&nbsp;
Happily, America is taking steps to improve its ability to wage drone wars. Our potential savior?
Ukraine.
It has been reported that President Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky are drafting a significant deal that would bring combat-tested drones from the Ukraine to the U.S., in exchange for Kyiv purchasing American weapons. Sharing aerial technology is part of the accord, as well&mdash;although it seems we need them more than vice-versa.
&ldquo;If we had to go to war tomorrow, do we have what we need? No,&rdquo; said Trent Emeneker of the military&rsquo;s Defense Innovation Unit, in speaking with the New York Times about the U.S. drone-technology lag behind China and Russia. &ldquo;We all know the same thing. We aren&rsquo;t giving the American war fighter what they need to survive warfare today.&rdquo;
Zelensky has long attributed drones as the essential weaponry that has kept Russian invaders from victory for more than three years.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We will be ready to share our experience with America and other European partners,&ldquo; said Zelensky in an interview with The Post. "The people of America need this technology, and you need to have it in your arsenal. I think this is really a mega deal, a win-win, as they say."&nbsp;
The potential deal has arisen at a critical time for America. At a Defense Department testing camp in Alaska this June, U.S. soliders failed miserably at shooting down prototype drones and tech foul ups were also reported.
&ldquo;We were brought here to rebuild the military and match capabilities to the threats of today,&rdquo; said U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in a Pentagon memo. &ldquo;So while our adversaries have produced millions of cheap drones before us, we were mired in bureaucratic red tape. Not anymore.&rdquo;
<h5>Ukraine/USA Drone Tech "Mega Deal" Considered</h5>
<iframe style="width: 668px; height: 376px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aMNGk00rvrQ?si=gKkQ1TFY-On3Zs-x" width="668" height="376" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 667px; height: 375px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8BviiwobdZQ?si=F7VCRzfvm7ehp4sg" width="667" height="375" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

U.S. Drone Warfare Tech Doesn't Have What It Takes

16 July 2025
As combat drones transform the global battlefield, Campus Guardian Angel&mdash;an Austin, Texas-based startup&mdash;is proving drones also can be protectors, specifically for children facing deadly and terrifying "active shooter" situations in their schools.
"What we're trying to provide is that layer that can get there within seconds to be able to get the assailant doing anything except shooting children," said Campus Guardian Angel Chief Tactical Officer Bill King.
The sentinel-like drones can be stored at schools all year, waiting to spring into action if a threat arises. Each Campus Guardian Angel drone has a camera, window-shattering metal tips, and a modified paintball gun deployed to fire pepper rounds. The drone can also zoom up to 100 mph and ram an assailant&mdash;hopefully with enough force to incapacitate them until law enforcement can rush in and apprehend the shooter.
Drones can also be "stupidly brave" and confront someone firing off rounds.
"If we get shot, we don't care, we're just a lump of plastic," said Campus Guardian Angel CEO Justin Marston.
The company claims the majority of school-shooting victims are injured or killed within two minutes. The Campus Guardian Angel system is allegedly designed to challenge shooters within approximately 15 seconds. Once an attacker is quickly "engaged," a dispatch center can provide first responders with critical location information and threat assessments via two-way speakers on the drones.
Texas recently approved a $8.5 billion funding package for its public schools, and $430 million was earmarked for school safety&mdash;a great relief for school children and an opportunity for innovative drone companies such as Campus Guardian Angel.
"I have never seen anything like this before," said State Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) on seeing a demostration of Campus Guardian Angel in action. "I think it's cutting technology that needs to be considered by every school district in the state of Texas."
<h5>See the Drone "Sentries" in Action</h5>
<iframe style="width: 670px; height: 377px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KTBG0jKwau8?si=muZDcyPSVW8Df8N0" width="670" height="377" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Drones May Stop School Shootings

14 July 2025
&ldquo;Europeans can no longer move about comfortably in their own countries,&rdquo; said former Iranian senior judiciary official&nbsp; Mohammad Javad Larijani, who was also an adviser to the Supreme Leader. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s entirely possible that in the near future, five drones could strike a European city.&rdquo;
As Iran continues to battle European pressure over the country's nuclear program, frustration and threats from the Iranian government appear to be on the rise.
In addition, actions&mdash;such as Iran's expelling of International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors due to fears they provided the U.S. and Israel with nuclear facilities intel&mdash;have refueled paranoia and retribution strategies.
&ldquo;The United States and Israel know that if they strike again, our response will be heavier and more unexpected," threatened Larijani. &ldquo;The enemy can no longer rely on its old methods. This time, we will not be surprised."
Quite boldly, Larijani also stated that President Trump could be in the crosshairs of a drone-deployed assassination attempt.
&ldquo;Trump supporting Israel's war on Iran means he can no longer sunbathe in Mar-a-Lago,&rdquo; said Larijani. &ldquo;As he lies there with his stomach to the sun, a small drone might hit him in the navel. It&rsquo;s very simple.&rdquo;
<h5 class="CustomPortableTextComponents-module-scss-module__MwAzyW__paragraph">Drones Add Muscle to Iranian Threats?</h5>
<iframe style="width: 674px; height: 379px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QWJ0uwzBdsA?si=bC0gN3llZE8OemGu" width="674" height="379" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 670px; height: 377px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RHb-5ZTazGI?si=Jesz_ww0F940f2Nj" width="670" height="377" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Iran Warns Its Drones Could Strike Europe

By The Infinity Experience.
&nbsp;
Imagine standing on a cliff in the Caribbean, your drone buzzing through the salty air as it captures sweeping shots of turquoise waters and lush green hills. Now, imagine getting there on a luxury adults-only cruise where everything is taken care of&mdash;food, entertainment, spa treatments, and now, even drone flying.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/KyzRK8QZOP5nn1U2B2Z456akLqtPcqx6o0iBTFs3.png" alt="" width="635" height="950" /> &nbsp; &nbsp;
That&rsquo;s what we experienced in March 2025, The Infinity Experience hosted their first-ever Drone Cruisein the Caribbean aboard Virgin Voyages. It was a 10-night journey through the islands, visiting seven exotic locations. In six of those destinations, drone flying was permitted&mdash;and encouraged!
&nbsp;
Participants were able to capture breathtaking landscapes, ocean views, and cultural landmarks from above, building unforgettable footage and experiences. And all of this was done with the full support of cruise staff, local port authorities, and a carefully planned itinerary that kept everything legal and seamless.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/urqMGFshhHoLpX0bzzedQunEFLpumRNSXvWQNuHP.jpg" alt="" width="697" height="392" />
Yes, you read that right: a Drone Cruise.
This isn&rsquo;t science fiction&mdash;it&rsquo;s a real, one-of-a-kind experience offered by The Infinity Experience in partnership with Virgin Voyages. It&rsquo;s the perfect getaway for drone enthusiasts, photographers, adventurers, and travel lovers looking to explore beautiful places with their drones&hellip; all while cruising in high style. And if you aren&rsquo;t a drone enthusiast there are plenty of options to keep you entertained.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/2gvn0JjduGkxFmbO2WgL6ZgYhDwBIzxtqdEosqbr.png" alt="" width="658" height="529" />
So how did this unique idea come about? And what can you expect if you decide to join the next one? Let&rsquo;s break it down.
&nbsp;
What is a Drone Cruise?
At its core, a Drone Cruise is exactly what it sounds like&mdash;a cruise that welcomes drones onboard and offers travelers the opportunity to fly them legally and safely at various port destinations.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/gIGq8Utknit7lIi5HMzXorRoWovKos1zr6gkGeRT.png" alt="" width="617" height="919" />
Now, following the overwhelming success of that inaugural journey, the team is at it again&mdash;with a brand-new cruise set for September 2026, this time sailing through one of the most photogenic regions in North America during the most colorful season of the year.
&nbsp;
Next Stop: New England &amp; Canada September 19-27 2026
The upcoming Drone Cruise will depart from New York City and head north to Halifax, Nova Scotia, passing through scenic ports in New England and the Canadian Maritimes. This 8-night adventure will take place during fall foliage season, offering vibrant views of reds, oranges, and golds as nature puts on its most dazzling show.
&nbsp;
For drone pilots, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture autumn&rsquo;s beauty from the air&mdash;think coastal cliffs draped in fall color, charming seaside towns, and historic lighthouses framed by golden trees. If you love photography, travel, or flying your drone in new places, this is about as good as it gets.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/41yno57mUsJQjkLQR5PxMRqSrgra0eEp8Aa8XYGy.png" alt="" width="701" height="560" />
Attend the Virtual Cruise Night &ndash; July 23, 2025
&nbsp;
Curious to learn more? You&rsquo;re in luck.
&nbsp;
Virgin Voyages and The Infinity Experience are hosting a Virtual Cruise Night on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 via Zoom. This is your chance to get all your questions answered, meet some of the people behind this innovative trip, and hear directly from Virgin Voyages management about what to expect onboard and at the ports.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/7QXsxsHlpIEAAEGa8ZmHvuEnfr05UHwVseXgWI46.png" alt="" width="658" height="659" />
You&rsquo;ll even get a $50 Bar Tab bonus from Virgin Voyages just for signing up and placing a deposit after attending the event!
&nbsp;
To register for the Virtual Cruise Night, use the QR code included in this article and fill out the registration page. Be sure to include &ldquo;The Droning Company&rdquo; or &ldquo;TDC&rdquo; as your invitation source.
&nbsp;
There is no cost to attend the Zoom event&mdash;just a lot of valuable info and inspiration.
&nbsp;
What It&rsquo;s Like Onboard a Drone Cruise
&nbsp;
You might be wondering: how exactly does this work? Are drones even allowed on cruise ships?
&nbsp;
Surprisingly, the process is smooth and simple. On the last cruise, participants were greeted at boarding and given VIP-style treatment. They skipped the long lines and were personally escorted through check-in.
&nbsp;
Rather than carrying full drone kits onboard, passengers checked in only their drones&mdash;no batteries or controllers were needed at that point. At each port where drone flying was permitted, the security team returned each person&rsquo;s drone quickly and efficiently, making it easy to go explore and fly.
&nbsp;
Why Choose Virgin Voyages?
The cruise line partner for this adventure is no accident. Virgin Voyages has made waves in the travel industry by offering a completely fresh, adult-only and cheeky experience at sea.
&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s what makes Virgin so different:
&nbsp;
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"> Adults-Only Environment</li>
</ol>
Everyone onboard is 18+, creating a relaxed, stylish atmosphere without kids or traditional family programming. It&rsquo;s perfect for drone pilots who want to focus on creativity, connection, and exploration.
&nbsp;
<ol start="2">
<li style="font-weight: 400;"> No Buffets, No Main Dining Room&mdash;Just 20 different eateries.</li>
</ol>
Instead of mass-market cruise food, Virgin offers 20+ distinct eateries, all included in your fare. Dine on Korean BBQ, upscale Italian, vegan delights, the ultimate steak house or comfort food classics&mdash;no extra charge. No stuffy formal nights. (Reservations are required for the specialty resturaunts.) Just eat when you&rsquo;re hungry and explore flavors along the way even take a binto box to your refrigerator in your cabin for later.
&nbsp;
<ol start="3">
<li style="font-weight: 400;"> Entertainment That Breaks the Mold</li>
</ol>
Forget the usual cruise musicals. Virgin features immersive cabaret shows, themed parties, Scarlet Night celebrations where the entire ship is all dressed in their red finery, and Red Room performances that push boundaries. There&rsquo;s even an onboard tattoo parlor for the adventurous. (Make reservations early)
&nbsp;
<ol start="4">
<li style="font-weight: 400;"> Focus on Wellness</li>
</ol>
With complimentary group fitness classes, outdoor workout spaces, a state-of-the-art gym, and a luxurious spa, Virgin takes your well-being seriously and does not allow any plastic on board.
&nbsp;
<ol start="5">
<li style="font-weight: 400;"> All-Inclusive Feel</li>
</ol>
They call it &ldquo;$1,000 Always Included Luxury,&rdquo; and for good reason. Your fare covers dining, basic Wi-Fi, all gratuities, group fitness, and all regular coffee, teas and soft drinks. It&rsquo;s the cruise experience reimagined for adults who want quality without nickel-and-diming.
&nbsp;
<ol start="6">
<li style="font-weight: 400;"> Cool, Tech-Forward Cabins</li>
</ol>
Rooms are designed with modern travelers in mind&mdash;clean lines, mood lighting all controlled by the ipad in your cabin. Sea Terrace rooms even include a red hammock on the balcony&mdash;ideal for stargazing or napping between drone flights.
&nbsp;
Meet the Team Behind the Experience
The brains behind this unique Drone Cruise are Audrey and Bob Dempsey.
&nbsp;
Audrey leads The Infinity Experience, a boutique travel agency that has been organizing group cruises for nearly a decade. She&rsquo;s known for going the extra mile and making every traveler feel like family.
&nbsp;
Her husband, Bob Dempsey, is a seasoned drone pilot and founder of the popular Facebook group and YouTube channel Old Farts with Drones&reg;&mdash;a fun and supportive community for drone enthusiasts around the world.
&nbsp;
Together, Audrey and Bob are also the organizers of the annual Vegas Drone Meetup, a major event happening again on November 7&ndash;9, 2025. Last year&rsquo;s meetup drew many pilots, influencers, and brands. This year&rsquo;s promises to be even bigger.
&nbsp;
So, whether you&rsquo;re a drone pilot looking to travel, a cruiser who loves gadgets, or just someone seeking a truly different kind of vacation&mdash;you&rsquo;re in very good hands with the Dempseys.
&nbsp;
How to Join
Want to learn more and potentially join the 2026 Drone Cruise?
&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s what to do next:
&nbsp;
<ol>
<li>Scan the QR Code in this article for the Virtual Cruise Night on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.</li>
</ol>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/RZiu6AE8CFwkClgwPzTLaqQNlJc3marWKQpSzTWZ.png" alt="" width="403" height="406" />
<ol start="2">
<li>Register early, and make sure to write &ldquo;The Droning Company&rdquo; or &ldquo;TDC&rdquo; as your invitation code.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
<ol start="3">
<li>Attend the Zoom meeting, ask your questions, and get all the details you need to decide.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
<ol start="4">
<li>Reserve your spot early for a special 10% discount on your Sea Terrace and enjoy a $50 Bar Tab credit when you book your cabin because you attended this virtual cruise night.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
<ol start="5">
<li>Reach out to Audrey Dempsey directly at 702-592-2454 to create your booking.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
Final Thoughts
The idea of a &ldquo;Drone Cruise&rdquo; might have sounded wild a few years ago&mdash;but now, it&rsquo;s a real, curated, luxury experience available to those who want to blend their love for flight, photography, and travel.
&nbsp;
With professional handling, legal flying opportunities, and a community of like-minded explorers, the 2026 Drone Cruise to New England and Canada is shaping up to be a standout experience for drone enthusiasts around the world.
&nbsp;
So&hellip; ready for takeoff?
&nbsp;

Cruising with a Twist: The 2026 Drone Cruise

10 July 2025
In just 12-minutes and 48-seconds, <a href="https://botlabdynamics.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BotLab Dynamics</a> &mdash; with a fleet of 5,500 drones &mdash; captured five Guinness World Records at the 2024 Amaravati Drone Summit in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Today, we are taking a look back at BotLab's achievement.
First, let's review those five awards...
Largest Aerial Display of a Vehicle Formed by Multirotors/Drones
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/9QefxwAM4i6YqDPs2hfnp3DQdVXskta8jM2cfVg1.png" alt="" width="670" height="414" />
Largest Aerial Landmark Display Formed by Multirotors/Drones
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/rxaOyKHG99ZykFWADkGUXVYJDhjQdGS6itG4iLt5.png" alt="" width="671" height="370" />
Largest Aerial Display of a Planet Formed by Multirotors/Drones
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/iYFJmXRBvNN9BOAf5O15r8NkRZ6qJQzZY7DGNLx4.png" alt="" width="668" height="425" />
 Largest Aerial Logo Display Formed by Multirotors/Drones
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/Dvc5vh2D9G3MQwOkdqU9iuZ6hw4puT9FC3wY1T3i.png" alt="" width="674" height="433" /> 
Largest Aerial Image of a Flag Formed by Multirotors/Drones
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/m7NbqFZqWDl74JgkzElmlTuTRBo2tdcO0FkVOaXx.png" alt="" width="448" height="359" />
<h5>A Proud Moment for India</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/0R6AP54GHCpegwO4CpAltzWRSZSM2ttk17ITDGz3.png" alt="" width="467" height="262" />
What made this achievement even more significant is that all the drones used in the show were entirely designed and manufactured in India. This isn&rsquo;t just a technological milestone, it&rsquo;s a symbol of the incredible potential within our country, our people, and our ideas.
None of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of the BotLab team. A total of 150 passionate individuals from various departments worked day and night to bring this vision to life. From engineers and designers to technicians and project managers, every single person played an integral role in making this event a success.
What makes this achievement even more special is that this was a shared dream, a dream that we nurtured, overcame challenges for, and ultimately turned into reality. To see it all come together and receive global recognition is both humbling and inspiring.
This moment wasn&rsquo;t just about breaking records, it was about showing the world the extraordinary things India can achieve when innovation, collaboration, and determination unite. We are proud to have represented our country on the global stage, and this accomplishment serves as a reminder of the growing strength of India&rsquo;s technology, manufacturing, and innovation sectors.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/E9SIfV7e0oftUgcadTOahSDAtE4FGONmnuWL5Mr1.jpg" alt="" width="676" height="507" />
<h5>See the Record Breaking Show</h5>
<iframe style="width: 676px; height: 380px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jMq47bYJNwM?si=ZFr7riSwkCdLxbN_" width="676" height="380" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 676px; height: 380px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H_WgIdmMy_k?si=kluA1cOWqc2m1NEg" width="676" height="380" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Featured News Trending NewsHow is "Year of the Drone" Shaping Up for Investors?

Featured News Trending NewsPete Hegseth's Three Goals for Producing Small Drones

Featured News Trending NewsWill Your Drone Be Grounded?

Featured News Trending NewsCommercial UAV Expo Partners with Pilot Institute

Featured News Trending NewsMichigan Launches M-Air Research Skyway

Featured News Trending NewsU.S. Drone Warfare Tech Doesn't Have What It Takes

Featured News Trending NewsDrones May Stop School Shootings

Featured News Trending NewsIran Warns Its Drones Could Strike Europe

Featured News Trending NewsCruising with a Twist: The 2026 Drone Cruise

Featured News Trending NewsRewind: BotLab Dynamics Sets Five World Records in 2024