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18 September 2025
<a href="https://steadicopter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steadicopter</a>, a leader in the Rotary Unmanned Aerial Systems (RUAS) industry, is proud to announce a new operational capability developed in collaboration with <a href="https://parazero.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ParaZero</a>: the integration of the DropAir precision airdrop system into Steadicopter&rsquo;s <a href="https://steadicopter.com/ruav-systems/black-eagle-50e-electric/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black Eagle 50E</a> all-electric unmanned helicopter.
The DropAir module transforms the Black Eagle 50E into a highly accurate and autonomous airborne delivery platform. Equipped with dual-mode parachute deployment and advanced drop algorithms, the system enables precise mid-air release of mission-critical payloads&mdash;including medical supplies, ammunition, or spare parts&mdash;with minimal drift, even in harsh conditions or GPS-denied environments.
Combined with the Black Eagle 50E&rsquo;s VTOL capabilities, long endurance, and minimal logistic footprint, this integration supports rapid, flexible resupply across remote or contested areas. It is ideal for both tactical and humanitarian missions.
&ldquo;This collaboration with ParaZero brings a new level of agility and precision to aerial logistics,&rdquo; said Noam Lidor, CEO at Steadicopter. &ldquo;Together, we are enabling forces to operate smarter and faster-delivering supplies exactly where and when they&rsquo;re needed, with no compromise on accuracy or safety.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Our shared vision to enhance unmanned aerial capabilities is reflected in this integration,&rdquo; added Ariel Alon, CEO of ParaZero. &ldquo;With DropAir onboard, the Black Eagle 50E becomes a powerful tool for precision aerial delivery in the most demanding environments.&rdquo;
<h5>About Black Eagle 50E</h5>
The Black Eagle 50E is a mature, operational, high-performance, all-electric propulsion , providing superior-high-quality real-time intelligence, with high mission versatility and nearly zero logistic footprint . It supports multi-mission operations with advanced sensors and payload integration.
<h5>About Steadicopter</h5>
Steadicopter Ltd. is a leading developer of rotary tactical unmanned aerial systems for military, homeland security, and civilian missions. Its vertical take-off and landing UAVs are known for endurance, adaptability, and advanced mission sensor suites. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified for development, manufacturing, and marketing.
<h5>About ParaZero</h5>
ParaZero Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: PRZO) is an aerospace defense company pioneering smart, autonomous solutions for the global manned and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry. Founded in 2014 by aviation professionals and drone industry veterans, ParaZero is a recognized leader in advanced drone technologies, supporting commercial, industrial, and governmental operations worldwide. The company&rsquo;s product portfolio includes SafeAir, an autonomous parachute recovery system designed for aerial safety and regulatory compliance; DefendAir, a counter-UAS net-launching platform for protection against hostile drones in both battlefield and urban environments; and DropAir, a precision aerial delivery system. ParaZero&rsquo;s mission is to redefine the boundaries of aerial operations with intelligent, mission-ready systems that enhance safety, scalability, and security.&nbsp;

Steadicopter and ParaZero Introduce Precision Airdrop Capability

15 September 2025
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By Chief Charles L. Werner (Ret.-Emeritus)
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS/commonly referred to as drones) began to stir interest among public safety agencies following the implementation of the Federal Aviation Administration&rsquo;s (FAA) Part 107 Rule in 2016. This rule provided the first formal pathway for commercial and governmental drone operations, but the majority of public safety organizations had little knowledge of aviation rules, regulations, or best practices. Most police and fire departments did not maintain aviation programs and had limited experience operating within the National Airspace System (NAS). Agencies also faced uncertainty in selecting and procuring appropriate drone platforms, identifying the right training requirements, and determining how to integrate this new technology into ongoing operations without disrupting established emergency response protocols.  
These challenges revealed a significant gap. Agencies were enthusiastic about the potential of drones but lacked the collective resources to accelerate adoption safely and effectively. Recognizing the need for a unifying resource, the DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Alliance (DRONERESPONDERS) was established in 2019.  
<h5>Founding and Mission  </h5>
The vision of DRONERESPONDERS was to create a trusted platform where agencies could learn, collect, and share standard operating procedures (SOPs), training methodologies, and operational experiences. Unlike traditional consulting or vendor-driven resources, DRONERESPONDERS was launched as an open, nonprofit alliance with membership and resources offered free of charge. The guiding principle was that no single agency should have to &ldquo;reinvent the wheel&rdquo; in isolation, and that knowledge-sharing would accelerate the safe and ethical adoption of drones across all sectors of public safety. 
<h5>Membership Growth and Global Reach  </h5>
The early response was extraordinary. By the end of its first year, DRONERESPONDERS had 500 members, spanning police, fire, EMS, and emergency management professionals. Word spread quickly through online networks, conferences, and peer recommendations. By 2025, the alliance had grown to more than 12,000 members, representing 92 countries and over 500 international members. This rapid expansion reflects both the universal challenges and the global appetite for collaboration.  Recognizing that virtual resources were not enough, DRONERESPONDERS launched its first National Public Safety UAS Conference in 2021 at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. The inaugural event drew 250 public safety professionals and 16 exhibitors. Attendance doubled the following year and, by 2025, the conference had become the largest public safety drone conference in the world, hosting 600 attendees and nearly 60 exhibitors. These gatherings have since evolved into must-attend events where public safety agencies, regulators, vendors, NGOs, and academia meet to share progress and shape the future of drone operations.  
<h5>Expanding Outreach</h5>
To ensure public safety remained visible within broader aviation and robotics discussions, DRONERESPONDERS began co-locating events with major industry conferences such as AUVSI XPONENTIAL, the Commercial UAV Expo, and the Energy Drone and Robotics Summit. These collaborations fostered dialogue between public safety professionals and the private sector, ensuring innovations in hardware, software, and policy development aligned with real-world emergency response needs.
<h5>Drone as a First Responder (DFR)  </h5>
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One of the most groundbreaking applications of drones in public safety has been the Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program. The first of its kind launched in 2018 in Chula Vista, California, where drones were deployed directly from rooftop launch pads as soon as 911 calls were received. These drones provided real-time video to dispatchers and responding officers, creating unprecedented situational awareness.  
DFR demonstrated multiple benefits:  
- Getting eyes on the scene within minutes. &nbsp; 
- Enhancing responder and community safety by reducing uncertainty. &nbsp; 
- Improving operational efficiency, often allowing officers to be re-tasked before arriving on site. &nbsp; 
- Serving as a de-escalation tool, reducing unnecessary confrontations.  
Over time, DFR proved capable of locating missing persons, documenting accident scenes, assisting search and rescue, and even saving lives through faster response.  However, regulatory hurdles initially stalled widespread adoption. In 2020, DRONERESPONDERS established the Nationwide DFR Working Group, bringing together agencies operating DFR programs, agencies exploring adoption, and industry partners. Meeting monthly, the group shared experiences, identified obstacles, and coordinated advocacy with the FAA. Their efforts achieved a major breakthrough in 2025 when the FAA reduced the DFR waiver approval process from more than a year to less than a week. As a result, approvals skyrocketed from just 50 waivers over six years to nearly 600 waivers in four months.  
Today, DFR is regarded as one of the most significant advances in law enforcement technology in decades, reshaping how agencies respond to emergencies.  
<h5>Policy and Regulatory Advocacy  </h5>
On the regulatory front, DRONERESPONDERS continues to champion streamlined processes for waivers, exemptions, and authorizations across all disciplines. This includes advocacy on behalf of smaller volunteer fire departments, NGOs, and agencies conducting non-law-enforcement missions such as disaster response, firefighting, and environmental monitoring.
<h5>Working Groups  </h5>
Working Groups (WGs) have emerged as essential drivers of collaboration within DRONERESPONDERS.
Current WGs include:  
- Counter-UAS: addressing rogue or malicious drone activity and exploring lawful detection and mitigation strategies. &nbsp; 
- Women DRONERESPONDERS: building inclusivity, mentorship, and recognition for women in public safety aviation. &nbsp; 
- Search and Rescue (SAR): developing drone tactics for complex terrain, missing persons, and disaster response operations.  These groups provide a structured way for members to exchange information and collectively problem-solve, ultimately producing best practices that benefit the broader community.
<h5>State Chapters  </h5>
The need for state-level collaboration became evident in 2022 during the Florida ban on certain drones. Agencies quickly realized they needed a unified voice to educate legislators, coordinate resources, and organize training. Out of this necessity, the first DRONERESPONDERS State Chapter was born.  
Since then, additional chapters have launched in Texas, Ohio, and North Carolina, each hosting annual training conferences and creating localized support networks. These chapters bring critical drone knowledge closer to where agencies operate, ensuring smaller or rural departments can participate in the same ecosystem as larger urban programs. 
<h5>Training and Education: UNITE  </h5>
Recognizing the need for consistent training, DRONERESPONDERS launched UNITE (UAS National Initiative for Training and Education) in 2025. UNITE offers online courses, in-person training, and customized programs tailored to local or regional needs. A key objective is accessibility&mdash;ensuring that agencies do not have to travel long distances or spend significant funds to access high-quality instruction. This initiative represents a major step forward in standardizing public safety UAS training nationwide. 
<h5>Webinars and Knowledge-Sharing  </h5>
Awareness and outreach remain at the heart of DRONERESPONDERS. In 2021, the alliance began hosting monthly webinars with the FAA, providing agencies direct access to regulators for updates, Q&amp;A sessions, and policy discussions. These free webinars are recorded and archived on the DRONERESPONDERS YouTube Channel, continuing today on the second Wednesday of each month.  
In 2023, DRONERESPONDERS partnered with DroneLife to launch The Public Safety Drone Review, a monthly webinar covering the latest drone news followed by expert guest speakers. Held on the first Tuesday of each month, these sessions are also free, recorded, and uploaded to DroneLife TV.
<h5>Collaboration and International Partnerships  </h5>
Collaboration is the hallmark of DRONERESPONDERS. Notable projects include the International Public Safety Drone Directory/Dashboard, developed with NASA Ames Research Center and Esri. This dashboard now includes data from more than 1,800 agencies, detailing program start dates, numbers of pilots, types of aircraft, and missions flown.  
The network also extends globally, with partnerships such as the Canadian Emergency Responder Robotics Association (CERRA) and the UK Emergency Responder Robotics Organization (UKERRO). These international alliances promote cross-border knowledge-sharing and ensure global best practices are readily available.
<h5>Looking Ahead  </h5>
The evolution of drone technology continues rapidly. DRONERESPONDERS is actively exploring new frontiers including heavier-lift drones, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) platforms, Counter-UAS (CUAS) capabilities, Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems, and advanced airspace coordination.  
These advancements are supported through collaborations with organizations like NASA, MITRE, ASTM, APSA, Police1, FireRescue1, Lexipol, California Fire Chiefs, Vets to Drones, Esri, the University of Virginia Center for Public Safety and Justice, and many more.  
As the landscape evolves, DRONERESPONDERS will remain a leading force ensuring that public safety professionals are prepared, connected, and empowered to integrate drones safely and effectively. Drones are no longer experimental tools&mdash;they have become essential assets in saving lives, protecting communities, and advancing the mission of public safety. &nbsp; Partner Agencies: APSA, ASTM, CALFIRECHIEFS, CERRA, ESRI, FUTURE POLICING INSTITUTE, FIRERESCUE1, IPSA, LEXIPOL, MITRE, NASA, NVFC, POLICE1, UKERRO, VETS TO DRONES &nbsp; MEMBERSHIP IS FREE &nbsp; If you need more information, send an email to <a href="mailto:charles@droneresponders.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charles@droneresponders.org</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;

The DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Alliance

11 September 2025
Whether it's the murder of Charlie Kirk in Utah or Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky in Washington D.C., politically motivated shooting attacks are absolutely tragic and wrenching.&nbsp;
But could the Kirk murder have been stopped if drones were in the air watching over the crowd and rooftops?
We first asked the question back in July 14, 2024, after a shooter tried to assassinate President Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Why didn't the Secret Service bolster its security team with drones?
<h5>Read the Articles</h5>
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/a-modest-proposal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/a-modest-proposal</a>
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/trump-assassination-attempt-we-asked-the-question-first" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/trump-assassination-attempt-we-asked-the-question-first</a>
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/opinion-where-were-the-drones-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/opinion-where-were-the-drones-</a>
<h5>Drones Can Help Avert Tragedy</h5>
As the United States turns ever more divisive, outdoor political rallies and debates are unfortunately becoming potential targets for shootings, bombings, and other mayhem. It's near impossible to guard against every possible attack with police and event security on the ground, and, in Kirk's case, he didn't want a shield of security personnel between him and his audience.
However, a few drones with trained pilots could hover over rooftops, entry and exit roads, nearby areas, and even the crowd to determine if a murderous criminal is setting up an attack. Any sightings could be immediately radioed to security on the ground to rush to the danger. In fact, the drones themselves could be deployed to distract, broadcast the exact location to nearby police and the public, and even injure or otherwise disable the shooter.
Drones are perfect for so many things. Eyes-in-the-sky threat assessement and neutralization for outoor gatherings seems obvious.
Unless, it seems, you're the group putting together the security team...
<h5>Alleged Sighting of Charile Kirk Shooter on Rooftop</h5>
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We Ask Again: Where Were the Drones?

10 September 2025
&ldquo;This situation brings us the closest we have been to open conflict since World War II," said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk about Russian combat drone flights that entered Poland's airspace early today.
Four Russian drones out of an alleged 19 were shot down by the Polish military with assistance from NATO&mdash;the alliance's air command, as well as the Dutch Air Force, scrambled F-35 fighters to support Poland's own defense efforts. Poland claimed a "significant number" of the drones were launched from Russian ally Belarus&mdash;a country known for deploying assets for attacks on Ukraine. No injuries or deaths resulting from the incursion were reported at press time.
Not surprisingly, Russia and Belarus denied the strike was intentional.
Belarus offered a somewhat weak explanation that the drones "lost their way" and even had to destroy some of them flying over their own skies. For its part, Russia acknowledged a large-scale strike against western Ukraine, but maintained there "were no targets envisioned for destruction on the Polish territory,"
The Russian Defense Ministry also offered to consult with the Polish Ministry of Defense on the matter.
However, as the Russian drone flyovers mark the first ever airspace violation for a member of NATO, Polish authorities appear less inclined to believe the situation was caused by a technical error or some other problem.
"There were 19 breaches, and it simply defies imagination that it could be accidental," said Polish Foreign minister Radosław Sikorski. "This is a threat not only to Poland. This new technology of the mass use of drones is a threat to all of the EU and we need to face it together.&rdquo;&nbsp;
President Trump, whose efforts at ending the Ukraine conflict have been ineffective, posted the following on his Truth Social platform: &ldquo;What&rsquo;s with Russia violating Poland&rsquo;s airspace with drones? Here we go!&rdquo;
The ramifications of the airspace violation for NATO and the United States could be dire.
Some military experts feel Russian President Vladimir Putin was "testing" NATO with the strike to see how far he could push things in Russia's favor. There are also opinions that the drone campaign may have been "payback" for Poland's support of Ukraine&mdash;not to mention the country's logistical importance as a hub for NATO and U.S. weaponry.&nbsp;
"We stand by our NATO Allies in the face of these airspace violations and will defend every inch of NATO territory," said U.S. ambassador to NATO Matthew Whittaker.&nbsp;
Hopefully, this is an isolated incident, but it may change the position of Poland in the Russia/Ukraine conflict.
"Poland is now a part of this war," said Michael Bociurkiw, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank. "They are much more on the front line than they were 24 hours ago."
<h5 class="body-graf">Watch Reaction to Russia's "Reckless" Airspace Violation of NATO Member</h5>
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Poland Destroys Russian Drones Violating Polish Airspace

08 September 2025
California-based drone startup <a href="https://sifly.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SiFly</a> recently bested the previous "longest flight time" for a quadcopter with its Q12 model, setting a Guinness World Record in the process.
The SiFly Q12 now owns the top time with a confirmed and validated three-hour, 11-minute flight.
But extended flight times for drones aren't simply award record fodder or cases for manufacturer bragging rights. As the FAA looks to expand approved BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) distances, longer flight times will mean more extensive operational duties for drones.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve got millions of quadcopters being made every year for consumer applications,&rdquo; said Brian Hinman, founder and CEO of SiFly, in an interview with <a href="https://www.flyingmag.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLYING</a>. &ldquo;Why can&rsquo;t that thing scale up? And why can&rsquo;t it be made efficient? There is no good reason why.&rdquo;
<h5>How Does the Q12 Fly Longer and Farther?</h5>
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<div id="google_ads_iframe_/22595167374/FlyingMidArticle1_0__container__">To take full advantage of longer and farther drone ops, Hinman believed the "technology limitation problem" had to be addressed&mdash;a key reason why he started SiFly in the first place.</div>
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&ldquo;You have to have a system that operates for hours on a single charge, not minutes on a single charge,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;In addition, you need a system that goes many, many miles, rather than just a couple.&rdquo;
Not surprisingly, SiFly is seeing tons of preorders for its Q12.&nbsp;
So, how did the company expand time and distance?
&bull; The company is approaching an "optimal battery weight" fraction of approximately two-thirds.
&bull; The battery cells discharge at around one-sixth the rate of other drone and eVTOL batteries.
&bull; The Q12's large rotors require less power to generate lift, as well as avoiding high disc loading and power-devouring flight.
&bull; In addition, the Q12's smooth and flat blades don't suffer from taper and twist that increases aerodynamic drag.
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&ldquo;You put all this stuff together, and that&rsquo;s how you end up in a place where you can hover for two-plus hours and cruise for three-plus hours,&rdquo; said Hinman.
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<h5>See the Q12 in Action</h5>
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SiFly Drone Sets Guinness World Record

05 September 2025
The battle between ranchers and gray wolves has been waged since the days of the pioneers.
Keeping cattle safe from wolf attacks has seldom been easy&mdash;nor 100-percent successful&mdash;and since the once-teetering-on-extinction gray wolf was reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park and other areas in the mid-1990s, the conflict has intensified. Today, hundreds of gray wolves roam in Washington and Oregon, thousands ramble around the Great Lakes, dozens are making their home in Northern California, and the population in the Nothern Rockies is such that the apex predators are no longer considered endangered.
That's good news for the species, but the result has also seen the killing of more than 800 domesticated animals across ten states by gray wolves&mdash;and that's just from a 2022 survey.
The increased threat over the years has prompted ranchers to protect their lifestock by killing the beasts (when approved by officials, as per a recent decision in the state of Washington), or using electrified fencing, horseback patrols, guard dogs, various alarms, trapping/relocating, or other means.
Now, drones have entered the fray. And AC/DC, too!
A team of biologists&mdash;who are currently working around the California-Oregon border&mdash;are experimenting with drones delivering rock-concert volume levels of audio from Austrailia's finest hard-rock band, as well as live "warning" voices, recorded gunshots, and movie clips to scare gray wolves away from cattle. The disruption techniques were developed by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service scientists, and successes were monitored using thermal imaging cameras during night time, when the wolves are most dangerous to livestock groupings.&nbsp;
With apologies to AC/DC, a preliminary study in 2022 showed that wolves do not appreciate rock music&mdash;or human voices&mdash;blasted at them from airborne drones.
&ldquo;If we could reduce the negative impacts of wolves, that is going to more likely lead to a situation where we have coexistence,&rdquo; said USDA lead researcher Dustin Ranglack.
The successes have been encouraging, but there are some caveats...
Currently, the tech for cattle protection by drone requires a model with night vision and the appropriate loudspeaker&mdash;which can cost up to $20,000 per drone. Professional training needs to be factored in, as well, and the drones are far less effective in heavily wooded areas.
In addition, gray wolves are smart. They can already determine&mdash;eventually&mdash;that deterrences such as cables tied with noisy fluttering flags aren't threats.
So, what's to say that the wolves don't learn to love AC/DC and start headbanging along with the music as they pursue helpless cattle?
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&ldquo;I&rsquo;m very appreciative of what the USDA researchers are doing," said cattle rancher Mary Rickert, who resides near Mount Shasta. "But I don&rsquo;t think it&rsquo;s a long-term solution. I&rsquo;m afraid that after some period of time, the wolves suddenly go, &lsquo;Wow, this isn&rsquo;t going to hurt me. It just makes a lot of noise.&rsquo;&rdquo;
<h5 class="endmark body-graf">See the AC/DC Defense in Action</h5>
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AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" Is Screaming from Drones to Save livestock

02 September 2025
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Timothy Brazzel</a>
The topic of DJI and the ongoing U.S. drone ban has been at the center of conversations in the drone community for quite some time. As the most dominant drone manufacturer in the world, DJI has built a reputation for producing reliable, user-friendly, and innovative products that both hobbyists and professionals have come to rely on. But with increasing political pressure, growing security concerns, and an uncertain regulatory future, many drone pilots in the U.S. are asking the same question: What&rsquo;s next for DJI? Recently, I watched a fantastic discussion on Bill The Drone Reviewer&rsquo;s YouTube channel, featuring Rick Smith from Drone Valley. Rick shared some insights that really stuck with me, laying out a few possible strategies DJI might pursue to get around the U.S. ban. These aren&rsquo;t confirmed moves, but they&rsquo;re realistic scenarios worth exploring. Today, I want to break down those options, talk about the pros and cons, and share some of my own thoughts on how DJI might navigate this storm. Let&rsquo;s dive in.
<h5 class="p4">Option 1: Build a Factory in the U.S.</h5>
At first glance, this might sound like the &ldquo;golden ticket&rdquo; solution. If DJI were to build a manufacturing facility here in the United States, they could sidestep tariffs, create American jobs, and possibly earn back some goodwill from lawmakers. Imagine the headlines: &ldquo;DJI Opens Drone Factory in the U.S.&rdquo; From a public relations standpoint, that&rsquo;s huge. It&rsquo;s a move that not only addresses political concerns but also demonstrates a tangible investment in the U.S. market. Customers might even feel more confident purchasing DJI drones, knowing they&rsquo;re &ldquo;Made in America.&rdquo;
The Pros
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li3">Avoid tariffs and potential import restrictions.</li>
<li class="li3">Improve DJI&rsquo;s public image by creating U.S. jobs.</li>
<li class="li3">Build trust with American lawmakers and consumers.</li>
</ul>
The Cons
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li3">Building a factory is extremely expensive. We&rsquo;re talking billions of dollars in construction, labor, and logistics.</li>
<li class="li3">It takes years to design, build, and scale a facility that can match DJI&rsquo;s current production levels in China.</li>
<li class="li3">The supply chain for critical drone components is still heavily tied to Asia, meaning DJI couldn&rsquo;t truly escape global dependencies.</li>
</ul>
In short, while this sounds great on paper, it may be a long shot in practice. By the time a U.S. factory is up and running, the drone landscape could look very different.
<h5 class="p4">Option 2: Partner with a Major U.S. Company</h5>
The second option is more practical in the short term: DJI could partner with a well-established U.S. company. Imagine DJI teaming up with a tech giant like Apple, Amazon. By aligning with a U.S. brand, DJI might soften political opposition and create a hybrid product that feels less &ldquo;foreign&rdquo; while still delivering the innovation they&rsquo;re known for.
The Pros
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li3">Faster than building a U.S. factory.</li>
<li class="li3">Creates a sense of legitimacy through collaboration with a trusted American company.</li>
<li class="li3">Could help DJI maintain its market share in the U.S. while avoiding a full ban.</li>
<li class="li3">&nbsp;</li>
<li class="li3">The Cones</li>
<li class="li3">Partnerships often require compromise. DJI might lose some control over design, branding, or pricing.</li>
<li class="li3">Profits would be shared, and DJI may not like giving up part of its dominance.</li>
<li class="li3">Political pushback might still linger, since critics could argue it&rsquo;s still &ldquo;DJI tech in disguise.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
Still, this path is more realistic. Big companies have partnered across borders before, and if the right deal were struck, it could allow DJI to stay relevant in the U.S. without starting from scratch.
<h5 class="p4">Option 3: License Their Technology to Other Brands</h5>
This option is one we&rsquo;re already seeing in action. DJI has the ability to license its technology to other companies, who then rebrand and sell drones under different names. Examples include Anzu Robotics, Specta Air, and Skyrover. In other words, DJI provides the brains and guts of the drone, but the name on the box belongs to someone else. In Manny cases, these drones appear to be identical in terms of the outer shell, maybe with a change of color and so forth, but at the end of the day it&rsquo;s clearly DJI&rsquo;s footprint.
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li3">The Pros</li>
<li class="li3">Keeps DJI&rsquo;s innovations in the market without DJI being directly involved.</li>
<li class="li3">Allows U.S.-based companies to sell drones with trusted technology.</li>
<li class="li3">Avoids some of the political baggage tied to DJI&rsquo;s brand name.</li>
<li class="li3">The Cons</li>
<li class="li3">Dilutes the DJI brand, which has become synonymous with drone excellence.</li>
<li class="li3">Consumers might feel confused or skeptical if too many &ldquo;DJI lookalikes&rdquo; flood the market.</li>
<li class="li3">DJI earns less than if they sold drones directly, since revenue comes through licensing.</li>
</ul>
Think of it this way: buying a licensed drone from another company is a bit like eating generic cereal. It might taste the same, but it just doesn&rsquo;t feel like the real deal when the box doesn&rsquo;t say Fruit Loops. That being said, this option is probably the most immediate and realistic path forward. DJI gets to continue profiting, consumers still get access to their tech, and U.S. lawmakers can point to American companies as the sellers.
<h5 class="p4">So, Which Option Makes the Most Sense?</h5>
Each of these paths has its strengths and weaknesses. Building a U.S. factory sounds patriotic but might be too costly and slow. Partnering with a major U.S. company could work but would require compromise. Licensing tech seems like the easiest short-term move, but it risks watering down DJI&rsquo;s brand identity. If I had to place a bet, I&rsquo;d say DJI will lean more heavily on licensing in the near future. It&rsquo;s the least disruptive option, keeps their technology in the market, and gives U.S. companies room to grow while still relying on DJI&rsquo;s expertise. But that doesn&rsquo;t mean the other options are off the table. DJI is a global powerhouse, and if the U.S. market is important enough to them, we may see some combination of these strategies unfold.
<h5 class="p4">The Bigger Picture</h5>
At the end of the day, the DJI ban is about more than just drones. It&rsquo;s about international politics, security concerns, and the balancing act between innovation and regulation. For us as drone pilots, it can feel frustrating to have the tools we love caught in the middle of something so complex. But there&rsquo;s also opportunity here. Whether DJI adapts by building, partnering, or licensing, the drone industry as a whole will evolve. New players will rise, competition will increase, and we might even see more innovation come out of this than we expect. The question is: are we ready for it?
<h5 class="p4">Final Thoughts</h5>
The drone world is changing quickly, and DJI is at a crossroads. Whatever path they choose, it will shape not just their future, but the future of drones in the U.S. market. So now I want to turn the question over to you: Which option do you think DJI should pursue? Do you like the idea of U.S.-made DJI drones? Would you feel comfortable buying a rebranded DJI drone through another company? Or do you think a big partnership makes the most sense? Drop your thoughts in the comments below &mdash; I&rsquo;d love to hear your perspective. And if you&rsquo;d like to dive deeper into this discussion, check out my latest video on YouTube channel, &ldquo;Inspire With Drones,&rdquo; where I unpack this topic in even more detail: https://youtu.be/sjIfQpbGaUo As always &mdash; fly safe, fly smart, and stay tuned.
<h5 class="p3">Watch the "Tim Talk" on DJI</h5>
<iframe style="width: 677px; height: 381px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sjIfQpbGaUo?si=JsBNevuZs0NnlWKE" width="677" height="381" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Can DJI Beat the U.S. Drone Ban?

<div class="caption">Above Photo: Army Lt. Gen. Anthony R. Hale, deputy chief of staff, G-2, visited soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Jan. 13, 2025, to discuss the latest military innovations and their application on the front lines. Hale emphasized the importance of integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational capabilities and maintain readiness. Photo by Army Sgt. Jose Lora. Curated for The Droning Company readers from the <a style="color: #34495e;" href="https://www.defense.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">U.S. Department of Defense</a> website.</div>
&nbsp;
28 August 2025
By&nbsp;<a class="article-link" style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Author/155376/army-capt-jennifer-french-173rd-airborne-brigade/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Army Capt. Jennifer French, 173rd Airborne Brigade</a>
For Army 1st Lt. Francesco La Torre, the Army's first drone-on-drone strike wasn't exactly a Hollywood moment.&nbsp;
"In [the Star Wars movie], A New Hope, Luke Skywalker flies an X-Wing through the Death Star trench and blows it up," La Torre said. "This wasn't like that. It was way harder. Honestly, it felt more like Darth Vader shooting down rebel pilots. He might be the villain, but he's also one of the best pilots in the galaxy."&nbsp; &nbsp; That was the image in La Torre's mind as his team with the 173rd Airborne Brigade achieved a milestone once unimaginable for conventional Army units: destroying an aircraft in flight using a first-person-view drone carrying an explosive charge.&nbsp; &nbsp; The strike took place earlier this month during the Army's Unmanned Aerial Systems and Launched Effects Summit, held Aug. 11-15 at Fort Rucker, Alabama. The live-fire event was led by the brigade's bayonet innovation team in partnership with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and engineers from Army Combat Capabilities Development Command.&nbsp;
"When I heard [Army] Chief [Warrant Officer 2] Nate Shea say, 'Arming,' when he was lined up behind the fixed wing threat UAS, I knew he'd take it down," La Torre said. "A few seconds later he detonated the claymore [mine], and I looked up from my end-user device to see the fixed-wing [aircraft] drop out of the sky."&nbsp; &nbsp; The success came after weeks of training. Paratroopers flew for hours each day, building muscle memory while rehearsing how to engage a fast-moving aircraft. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Topits familiarized himself with the fixed-wing platform a month in advance, while Shea practiced with inactive claymores. Once on the ground at Fort Rucker, the operators flew daily in changing weather, preparing for a target that could appear anywhere across the range.&nbsp; &nbsp; Technical skill proved as important as piloting.&nbsp; &nbsp; "The ability to train and solve problems immediately afterwards was critical to mission success," La Torre said. "The team was soldering, disassembling, reassembling and performing [quality assurance] around the clock while rehearsals were underway. While tactical units and technicians may not share the same language, they do share an intellectual curiosity and desire to succeed."&nbsp; &nbsp; La Torre emphasized what it means for the average paratrooper.&nbsp;
"With the right kit, paratroopers will be able to utilize a low-cost system with preexisting munitions to execute a wide variety of mission tasks &mdash; and have the power to protect their unit from an endemic threat," he said.&nbsp; &nbsp; The drone demonstration showed that innovation doesn't have to come from the top.&nbsp; &nbsp; "It feels extremely satisfying to have this level of impact, but solving these kinds of problems should not be alien to junior officers, or any leader," La Torre said. "Every year the Army produces leaders at all levels who are better educated now than ever before. At the end of the day, rank is immaterial when it comes to problem-solving."&nbsp; &nbsp; For La Torre, the milestone reflects how far the 173rd Airborne Brigade has come.&nbsp;
"At this time last year, this kind of training was a pipe dream for conventional units," he said. "For the engagement itself, Chief Shea did an incredible job and so did Chief Topits. It's such a difficult mission profile for both aircraft."&nbsp; &nbsp; Lessons from the bayonet innovation team fed directly into Fort Rucker's new lethal UAS course, directed by Army Capt. Rachel Martin and Army Maj. Wolf Amacker. The course consolidates milestones within the Army's UAS community and serves as a hub for education and experimentation.&nbsp; &nbsp; "The more testing and experimentation we do, the less we must teach theoretically and the more we can back claims with real data," La Torre said. "Safe and effective experimentation allows commanders to understand the true nature of the risks they assume with these systems and helps make this training more commonplace."&nbsp; &nbsp; For La Torre, the boundaries are clear: safety and scalability.&nbsp; &nbsp; "We must safely conduct training, testing and experimentation," he said. "We also must make sure everything we do is exportable to other units so they can do the same. I'm confident what we've done is scalable, and the lethal UAS course at Fort Rucker will centralize the growth of lethal UAS engagements while also serving as a hub for subject matter experts to gather and exchange lessons learned."&nbsp;

Paratroopers Make History With Army's First Drone-on-Drone Strike

27 August 2025
Sneak peeks of China's loyal wingman drones&mdash;such as the FH-97, which was first seen as a model at 2021's Zhuhai Airshow&mdash;are starting to emerge ahead of Bejing's 2025 military parade on September 3.
Satellite images of preparation for the event appear to reveal at least five loyal wingman UAVs&mdash;named "Collaborative Combat Aircraft" (CCA) by the United States Air Force&mdash;slated for public introduction. Obviously, China isn't revealing any details at this time, but experts assume these new drones may promise higher performance than previous models, as well as enhanced autonomy. Current images seem to show some drones without tails and modified delta wings, others with slender noses and wider bodies, and, given the perspective of the UAVs on the transport trucks, larger sizes overall.&nbsp;
If China is "sizing up" its combat drone fleet, it would be following a different concept from some other militaries, who are exploring smaller, less-expensive drones&mdash;especially after the success of Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb attack against Russian airfields with small Osa drones.
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</div>
<h5 class="article-paragraph skip">See a Preview of China's Military Parade</h5>
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<h5 class="article-paragraph skip">What is China's Loyal Wingman Program?</h5>
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Spotted! Chinese Next-Gen Loyal Wingman Drones

25 August 2025
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/6tTmxiotTaZrkVsAdNmZjeBedzgUPcjpOBxJtLvr.png" alt="" width="107" height="102" />
<a href="https://thedroningcompany.com/pilot/adrian-sarraff" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Adrian Sarraff</a>
I'm a professional drone pilot and founder of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cybr_drones?igsh=MTFlczc0aTByc3U3Mw%3D%3D&amp;utm_source=qr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cybr Drones LLC</a>, based in South Florida. My passion for photography began long before my drone career took flight&mdash;I&rsquo;ve been capturing images since 2007, focusing much of my early work on street scenes and architectural photography. Photography for me has always been about storytelling and finding new perspectives. That passion eventually intersected with technology, and together they pushed me into a field I could never have imagined would become my career.
In 2013, I got my hands on the original DJI Phantom 1, a simple white quadcopter that required me to strap a GoPro action camera to its base. At the time, I didn&rsquo;t realize how revolutionary that moment would be. Suddenly, I had the ability to capture the world from above&mdash;rooftops, skylines, and landscapes that were once impossible to photograph.
As a hobbyist living in Fort Lauderdale, I was drawn to the beauty of South Florida&rsquo;s sunrises. Every morning, I wake up before dawn, head to the beach, and launch my drone just in time to watch the sun break over the Atlantic Ocean. Those golden skies and the glow over the east coast inspired me daily. For me, drone flying became much more than a hobby&mdash;it was an artistic outlet, a way to combine my technical interests with my creativity.
At the time, my professional career was in Information Technology. I worked as a system administrator for a manufacturing company in Miami, troubleshooting systems, maintaining networks, and ensuring up time for critical operations. Outside of work, I had another passion: competitive gaming. Traveling to large events, I competed against some of the best players in the country.
When I look back, it&rsquo;s clear that my lifelong passion for technology, whether through IT, gaming, or gadgets&mdash;was always preparing me for drone piloting. You could say I&rsquo;ve always been a &ldquo;tech nerd.&rdquo; Drones allowed me to merge these worlds: technical precision, visual storytelling, and the adrenaline of competition, all in one pursuit.
When the Covid 19 pandemic hit, life changed for everyone. My company, like many others, cut back on its workforce. My position was eliminated. Instead of letting it defeat me, I saw it as an opportunity. For the first time, I decided to chase my passion full-time rather than remain just another employee.
I began offering my skills as a real estate photographer. I worked with local Realtors, providing professional-quality photos of their listings. Real estate photography pushed me to improve not just my shooting but also my editing skills and business communication. Realtors needed fast turnaround times, so I mastered efficient post-production workflows to deliver polished images quickly.
Marketing myself was another challenge as I spent months visiting hundreds of real estate offices, handing out business cards and flyers. I often offered the first photoshoot free as a way to build relationships and prove my value. Over time, this effort paid off&mdash;I built a solid reputation in the South Florida real estate community.
But I quickly realized that in South Florida&rsquo;s competitive real estate industry, standing out required more than just ground-level photography. Realtors needed something extra to make their listings pop. That &ldquo;something&rdquo; was aerial photography. I invested in a new drone&mdash;the DJI Mavic 2 Pro&mdash;which offers professional-grade aerial imaging.
From there, I knew I needed to go all-in. To fly commercially, I studied for and passed the FAA Part 107 exam, officially becoming a licensed drone pilot in March 2023. Shortly after, I upgraded to the DJI Mavic 3, which became my daily workhorse. With these tools, I was ready to expand my business beyond real estate.
One day, a friend working at a construction company asked me to capture images of a concrete pour on the 35th floor of a hotel in Miami. That single request opened my eyes to a new world of possibilities. I realized drones could do far more than showcase homes&mdash;they could document construction progress, capture marketing visuals for corporations, and provide data through aerial mapping.
In May 2023, I officially launched Cybr Drones LLC. The focus shifted from just real estate photography to comprehensive aerial services for multiple industries. Soon, I was no longer working only with Realtors&mdash;I was being contracted by major corporations and construction companies.
Some of the clients I&rsquo;ve had the privilege to work with include:
<ul>
<li>Florida Power &amp; Light (FPL)</li>
<li>Moss Construction</li>
<li>KAST Construction</li>
<li>Beauchamp Construction</li>
</ul>
These partnerships allowed me to scale up operations, managing multiple job sites across the state of Florida.
At Cybr Drones, I&rsquo;ve grown beyond basic photography to provide a full suite of aerial solutions, including:
<ul>
<li>Real Estate Photography &amp; Videography &ndash; High-quality listing images, cinematic video tours, and aerial views to help properties stand out.</li>
<li>Construction Progress Monitoring &ndash; Routine aerial updates for contractors, project managers, and investors to visualize milestones and track site development.</li>
<li>Photogrammetry &amp; Mapping &ndash; Accurate aerial mapping, 3D modeling, and volumetric analysis for construction and land development projects.</li>
<li>FPV Flythroughs &ndash; Using agile drones like the DJI Avata 2, I create immersive first-person view videos for marketing, showcasing interiors, showrooms, or construction sites in dynamic ways.</li>
<li>360&deg; Virtual Tours &ndash; Interactive walkthroughs of properties and job sites for marketing and documentation.</li>
<li>Lifestyle &amp; Boating Photography &ndash; Capturing the boating culture, wildlife, and waterfront lifestyle that makes South Florida unique.</li>
<li>Social Media Content Creation &ndash; Short-form video reels, aerial storytelling, and action shots tailored for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.</li>
</ul>
By expanding into these areas, Cybr Drones has become more than a photography service&mdash;it&rsquo;s a creative aerial solutions provider.
To keep pace with client needs, I&rsquo;ve invested in a diverse fleet of drones and technology. My arsenal includes the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, known for its powerful imaging capabilities, and the DJI Avata 2, perfect for FPV cinematic flythroughs. These tools allow me to approach each project with flexibility, whether it&rsquo;s capturing real estate listing, surveying a job site, or producing cinematic videos.
What started as a hobby with a strapped-on GoPro has grown into a thriving business that continues to evolve. Today, Cybr Drones LLC stands as a testament to what passion, persistence, and innovation can achieve across all industries. From real estate agents to multi-million-dollar construction firms, clients trust me to deliver visuals that inspire, inform, and impress. Looking ahead, I plan to expand Cybr Drones&rsquo; footprint even further, offering specialized drone services across Florida and beyond, while continuing to innovate in visual storytelling, aerial data collection, and marketing solutions.
My journey has been anything but ordinary. From IT systems and competitive gaming to chasing sunrises over Fort Lauderdale, every step led me here. Drones gave me a way to merge creativity, technology, and business into one. What began as an escape became a calling&mdash;and now, through Cybr Drones, I get to share that passion with every client I serve.
<h5>Watch</h5>
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&nbsp;
&nbsp;

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