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18 April 2025
By Michael Molenda, Editor
The impact of the Trump Administration's tariffs&mdash;whether they ultimately turn out to be a good thing for America or not&mdash;are having immediate effect. Perhaps not in pricing yet, as some of the tariffs have been paused, but certainly in corporate strategy, as businesses devise varied plans to manage revenue, manufacturing, inventory control, staffing, and other day-to-day concerns in the brave new world of global tariffs.
Obviously, goods from China are causing stratospheric worry as they touch almost every business.&nbsp;
In the music-product industry, for example, an electronic drum kit that costs around $325 to manufacture in China is looking at approximately $550 in tariffs, making the cost to the consumer more than double once conventional profit margins are calculated. The end result is that many music-industry manufacturers may need to cease Chinese manufacturing entirely&mdash;or significantly reduce their spend on goods from China&mdash;because many musicians will not be able to afford "made in China" instruments and technology.
And, by the way, much of the music-gear manufacturing will probably be shifted to "less tariffed" offshore factories (Indonesia, etc.), rather than brought back to America. The cost of building certain instruments in the United States remains prohibitive.
The drone industry, with its reliance on Chinese tech, products, and parts (batteries, etc.), is not going to be immune to tariffs. Duh.&nbsp;
Here are some ways that the tariffs imposed on China could affect the droning industry...
<h5 style="font-weight: 500;">We're Gonna Pay More for Drones</h5>
DJI is the biggest consumer drone manufacturer in the world. Think about what it means if a DJI dealer is compelled to pay a 145-percent tariff on new models to replace or increase inventory. Yeah. Not good for the pocketbook. And that's just for DJI. Expand the tariff impact to include other Chinese drone manufacturers, as well as accessories made in China. Then, we may be looking at a Defcon 2 scenario for the industry&mdash;speaking in fictional, sci-fi flick terms&mdash;could mean a stalled marketplace, stunted growth, and bankrupted retailers and distributors.
<h5>Supply Chains Won't Be, Well, Supply Chains&nbsp;</h5>
China controls a significant amount of the components U.S. drone makers need to build their products. An ongoing trade war with the United States&mdash;meaning reciprocal tariffs and even an end (or pause) of exported motors, batteries, sensors, and other made-in-China materials essential to drone manufacturing&mdash;would be catastrophic.&nbsp;
<h5>Changes to Where Drone Products Are Built</h5>
As with the music-gear example, some manufacturers may need to get "out of China" in order to ensure they can continue to offer affordable products to consumers. But abandoning factories and an already trained workforce in China won't be an easy decision. Yes, there are potentially less-tariffed options in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Mexico, for instance, but building new manufacturing facilities in those areas&mdash;as well as training workers to produce brand-dedicated products with high quality&mdash;could take years. And will corporations take a leap of faith to relocate manufacturing when a policy change within the Trump administration could make it all for naught by easing China tariffs?
<h5>That Roof Inspection Is Gonna Cost More</h5>
The service providers who offer drone roof inspections, real-estate promotions, and other benefits may need to rethink their business plans to absorb increased hardware and software costs. Higher equipment costs = higher service prices. The uncertainty may also cause, say, a realtor to go, "Yeah, maybe it's not the time right now to hire someone to film drone tours of my home inventory."&nbsp;
<h5>International BVLOS Flights Get Kicked to the Curb</h5>
Geopolitical tensions are seldom good for international cooperation. As rulemaking for beyond-visual-line-of-sight flights are being considered by the FAA and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the China-USA trade war, as well as America's standing with its neighbors north and south, could have an impact on agreed-upon, international regulations for drones that can fly across borders.&nbsp;
<h5>Investment in the Drone Industry Crashes (Temporarily)</h5>
In another, not-so-long-ago time, the swift and massive growth of the drone industry seduced significant investment. Now? Perhaps not so much. Market uncertainty and volatility aren't exactly promoting feel-good moments for investors.&nbsp;
<h5 style="font-weight: 500;">Hang On To Your Controllers</h5>
While the tariffs and trade wars can spell impending doom for the Chicken Littles of the world&mdash;and they obviously have good reason to scream that the sky is falling&mdash;business challenges can also open up business opportunities. Granted, it's probably a bad move to sit back and see how things play out. However, U.S. companies who have relied on technological innovation, need only embrace the potential shifts of a new normal, and transform their corporate strategies to flourish in a post-China business environment.
What are your thoughts?
Write us at <a href="mailto:mmolenda@thedroningcompany.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mmolenda@thedroningcompany.com</a>
&nbsp;

Are We Crewed or Screwed?

16 April 2025
<div class="halfway_hardwall_3">If you're a drone company trying to follow Donald Trump's "America First" mandate&mdash;good luck.</div>
<div class="halfway_hardwall_3">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="halfway_hardwall_3">At present, China controls approximately 90 percent of the commercial drone market across the planet, and the country also makes a significant amount of the airframes, batteries, and other essential hardware needed to manufacture drones.</div>
<div class="halfway_hardwall_3">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="halfway_hardwall_3">China could shut down the drone industry globally for a year,&rdquo; said Trent Emeneker, a team leader at the Pentagon&rsquo;s Defense Innovation Unit.</div>
<div class="halfway_hardwall_3">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="halfway_hardwall_3">Of course, this type of scenario is what the Trump Administration's tariffs are supposed to fight off, as it seeks to encourage American companies to source parts and build drones on U.S. soil. Unfortunately, building American drones here at home using solely U.S.-made parts could take years and a hefty level of investment. In the meantime, a Commerce Department chief legal officer Jai Ramaswamy has stated: &ldquo;Immediately removing all foreign adversary-based sources of supply for critical drone components would have a catastrophic effect on the American drone industry."</div>
<div class="halfway_hardwall_3">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="halfway_hardwall_3">Why are your thoughts...</div>
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Opinion: Can the Drone Industry Erase China?

15 April 2025
Diversified, organizers of <a href="https://www.expouav.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commercial UAV Expo</a>, the world&rsquo;s leading commercial drone trade show and conference, is proud to announce the launch of <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.forumuav.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commercial UAV Forum</a>, taking place 22-23 April 2026 at RAI Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The event marks a new chapter in Europe&rsquo;s drone industry landscape, designed specifically to meet the growing demand for a focused, high-value platform dedicated to uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) in industrial applications. Commercial UAV Forum will bring together drone pilots, project managers, service and solution providers, regulators, and innovators for two days of education, networking, and discovery.
&ldquo;We are thrilled to introduce Commercial UAV Forum as the next expansion of the Commercial UAV brand,&rdquo; said Lee Corkhill, Group Director at Diversified. &ldquo;This new format emphasizes community, actionable content, and strategic connection&mdash;key ingredients to accelerating the safe and effective adoption of drone technology across Europe&rsquo;s core sectors.&rdquo;
Commercial UAV Forum 2026 will feature a focused exhibit floor showcasing cutting-edge UAV hardware, software, and supporting technologies. Attendees will gain insights through solution-focused educational sessions, participate in practical discussions on real-world applications, and engage directly with key stakeholders shaping the future of UAV regulation and innovation across Europe.
This focused forum will serve vertical industries such as construction, energy &amp; utilities, public safety &amp; emergency services, infrastructure, agriculture, ports, mining, and drone delivery, offering professionals the knowledge and relationships needed to thrive in a fast-evolving market.
More details, including the call for speakers and registration information, will be announced in the coming months. Commercial drone professionals are encouraged to fill out the <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.forumuav.com/attend/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Attendee Inquiry form</a> to receive updates about the event.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/f741yUS8uQnT0d50tt3MqVYbRaReIcdmiiyQJcHe.png" alt="" width="322" height="105" />
<h5>About Commercial UAV Forum</h5>
Organized by the team behind <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.expouav.com/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuavf-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commercial UAV Expo</a> in the United States and presented by <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.commercialuavnews.com/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuavf-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commercial UAV News</a>, Commercial UAV Forum is Europe&rsquo;s highly-focused gathering for professionals integrating and operating UAS in industrial applications across Europe. The event will take place 22-23 April at RAI Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Commercial UAV Forum is produced by Diversified&rsquo;s technology portfolio, which also includes Commercial UAV News, Commercial UAV Expo, Geo Week, Geo Week Newsletter, Geo Business (UK), and Digital Construction Week (UK).
For more information about exhibiting at Commercial UAV Forum, visit the <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.forumuav.com/exhibit/?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=pr&amp;utm_campaign=cuavf-announcement&amp;utm_content=attendee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exhibitor information</a> page or contact Carmella Perrone, Sales Manager, at <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="mailto:CPerrone@divcom.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CPerrone@divcom.com</a>&nbsp;or Dominique Caron, Account Executive, at <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="mailto:DCaron@divcom.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DCaron@divcom.com.</a>

Commercial UAV Forum 2026

11 April 2025
As a horrific tornado destroyed their home in Tylertown, Mississippi, Curtis Bush was on the road while his wife and 17-year-old son were watching the walls come down. Quick thinking to don motorcycle helmets likely saved their lives, but they suffered broken bones severe enough to require a week in the hospital.&nbsp;
But tragedy wasn't done with the Bush family yet. One of their dogs perished in the storm, and another, Linus, a yellow Lab, was missing.
However, help&mdash;and hope&mdash;was on the way.
The <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.facebook.com/msanimalproject" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mississippi Animal Project</a> reached out to drone pilot Jason Miller of <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://raven6rising.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Raven 6 Rising</a> to assist in the search for lost pets, and he started looking for Linus&mdash;a true needle-in-a-haystack operation, even for a drone equipped with thermal imaging.
Working from reported sightings, Miller flew grid patterns in the areas&mdash;places where even downed trees could look like a dog.
But then&mdash;success.
Linus was found just 1,000 yards away from his former home near a Dollar General store.
"Ten days and nobody had seen him. So you kind of lose hope," said Bush, who rushed to the area where Miller's drone had spotted Linus. "The community was constantly searching for him, and then Jason came in and was able to actually find him. It was a blessing."
Seemingly confused over all of the fuss at the time, Linus is now back where he belongs.
This is the story of a miracle. A drone miracle...
<h5>Watch the Story</h5>
<iframe style="width: 672px; height: 378px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kgkh0PTWUKM?si=0biHF8u40JBiFwM_" width="672" height="378" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Drone Finds Linus the Dog After Ten Days Missing

09 April 2025
Although President Donald Trump has designated Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations&mdash;and Elon Musk has posted the label means the USA can launch drone strikes against them&mdash;assistant defense secretary for special operations Colby Jenkins informed a Senate committee that isn't exactly the case.
Jenkins clarified that the designation "helps us unlock the doors" for the United States to seek more aggressive approaches to combat the country's drug problem, but it does not automatically provide authority to unleash drone attacks at the cartels in Mexico.
However, while it appears the option remains on the table anyway, unnamed U.S. intelligence officials claim it would be a last resort to send drones to Mexico in an attempt to halt the flow of drugs into American without notifying the Mexican government.
Interestingly, the U.S. is already sharing drone data on the cartels with Mexico. A covert CIA intelligence operation, started during the Biden administration, secretly flew drones over areas in Mexico to track cartel activity and identify fentanyl manufacturing&mdash;which can be discovered due to airborne chemicals. All reconnaissance data from the secret flights was disclosed to Mexican authorities.
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the U.S. has been running surveillance drones across Mexico's airspace.
While launching drones into another country makes headlines, the commander of U.S. Northern Command, General Gregory Guillot, informed senators he would request authority from Congress for &ldquo;more advise-and-assist types of operations" between special forces units from Mexico and America.
Time will tell what path the U.S. will take to battle the fentanyl crisis.
(A ray of hope is, according to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, drug overdose deaths declined 25.5% between October 2023 to October 2024.)
<h5>Learn More</h5>
<iframe style="width: 674px; height: 378px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9wllv31IBWk?si=47AjwdpjSTHVy1ck" width="674" height="378" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<iframe style="width: 670px; height: 377px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L-Y8ASbWv94?si=WVuKz1VrPPkcPkha" width="670" height="377" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
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Can We Unleash Drones on Mexican Cartels?

08 April 2025
In a "first strike" towards potential trade and export restrictions, China has placed 11 United States drone makers on the country's Unreliable Entity List.
The list of affected companies, which China has accused of &ldquo;military technology cooperation with Taiwan,&rdquo; includes the following:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Skydio</li>
<li>BRINC Drones</li>
<li>Red Six Solutions</li>
<li>SYNEXXUS</li>
<li>Firestorm Labs</li>
<li>Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems</li>
<li>HavocAI</li>
<li>Neros Technologies</li>
<li>Domo Tactical Communications</li>
<li>Rapid Flight</li>
<li>Insitu</li>
</ul>
The global trade war triggered by President Donald Trump appears to be behind the Chinese action, as Beijing seems ready and willing to go punch for punch with America regarding tariffs and other economic sanctions.
&ldquo;This action makes clear that the Chinese government will use supply chains as a weapon to advance their interests over ours," said Skydio CEO Adam Bry. "The drone market has historically been dominated by Chinese companies who are now rapidly losing market share to Skydio and our Western peers. This is an attempt to eliminate the leading American drone company and deepen the world&rsquo;s dependence on Chinese drone suppliers.&rdquo;
The revolving sanctions between the U.S. and China showcase the broader complexities of the world's high-tech supply chains, as most American drone companies rely on Chinese components. Many firms are now seeking to diversify their suppliers, but there are still risks&mdash;as well as resulting stock-price declines&mdash;when markets are disrupted by the ongoing U.S.-China trade battles.

China Swats Down American Drone Manufacturers

04 April 2025
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Timothy Brazzel</a>
Attending the <a href="https://psdronefest.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025</a> was nothing short of an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, to the breathtaking opening night ceremony, to the challenges I faced, and ultimately the success of it all, this was an event that exceeded my expectations.
If you&rsquo;re into drones, cinematography, FPV racing, cutting-edge tech, or just mind-blowing entertainment, you need to put PS Drone Fest on your radar. Let&rsquo;s dive into everything that made this festival one for the books!
<h5 class="p1">Airstreams and Last-Minute Chaos</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/t5JtyW7nDzCWNtcrux8HS6fGieQmthNuujQN8xhg.png" alt="" width="454" height="451" />
The adventure kicked off as I checked into Acres Landing in Desert Hot Springs, California, where I had the chance to stay in a beautiful Airstream. It was such a cool and unique experience, but before I could settle in, reality hit. I had forgotten some essential items back home! Yep, that meant a long drive back, cutting into my time to prep for the weekend. Lesson learned: always triple-check your gear and essentials before heading to a big event!
Despite the chaos, I made it back in time for production meetings and to get ready for the excitement ahead.
<h5 class="p1">A Cinematic Experience</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/b5GAfI4kbC1apLf52DoOh2ogsKp03r1zyq00cM7V.png" alt="" width="667" height="368" />
The festival wasted no time making a statement. The Opening Night Ceremony, directed by Emmy-nominated cinematographer Skip Fredricks, was absolutely next level.
Picture this: a 15-minute live-action Jedi Knight sequence, choreographed by professional stunt performer Fiona Dorn, with her elite stunt team bringing lightsaber battles, acrobatics, and cinematic storytelling to life. The energy in the crowd was electric, and just when we thought it couldn&rsquo;t get any better, the sky lit up with a drone light show by Skyworx.
The best part? The drones were perfectly synchronized to an original score composed and performed live by international DJ and electronic violinist Esther Anaya. It was a perfect fusion of technology and artistry, setting the tone for the rest of the weekend.
<h5 class="p1">Drones, Sports, and Next-Gen Innovation</h5>
One of the most exciting parts of the event was the FIDA USA World Cup Qualifier for Drone Soccer. Watching teams from 12 different nations battle it out was insane. Tim Ingram, President of FIDA USA, has been pushing drone soccer into the mainstream, and this competition proved why it&rsquo;s growing so fast. The winning teams earned a chance to compete in the 2025 FIDA World Cup in Seoul, South Korea&mdash;a game-changer for drone sports in the U.S.
But PS Drone Fest wasn&rsquo;t just about competition; it was about education and inspiration. Over 1,000 students got hands-on experience in drone cinematography, AI, robotics, and FAA compliance. Seeing the next generation get excited about drone technology reminded me why events like these are so important.
<h5 class="p1">Behind the Scenes</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/cLdOACrpTIaobNpAGdYUvRvkCxbs35QHuHMpBtfC.png" alt="" width="679" height="372" />
As a videographer, drone pilot, and content creator, one of my biggest highlights was getting to document the entire event. I captured some truly epic moments, from high-energy FPV drone races to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the stunt performances and live music sets.
Speaking of performances, I had the chance to film:&nbsp;
&bull; Esther Anaya electrifying the crowd with her fusion of violin and electronic beats&nbsp;
&bull; Fiona Dorn&rsquo;s action-packed stunt sequences&nbsp;
&bull;&nbsp;The Promo Drone CEO Jamar Williams debuting his futuristic flying billboard&nbsp;
There were also tons of industry leaders speaking on drone law, journalism, airspace safety, and future opportunities. Legends like:
- Sally French (The Drone Girl)
- Vic Moss (CEO of DSPA)
- Tony Reid (Drone Cadets co-founder)
Networking and learning from these experts were huge takeaways for me.
<h5 class="p1">Overcoming Challenges&nbsp;</h5>
Of course, no event goes 100 percent smoothly. There were moments where things got hectic&mdash;from last-minute changes in the schedule to unexpected tech challenges. But that&rsquo;s the beauty of experiences like these&mdash;you adapt, push through, and make it happen.
Despite the hiccups, PS Drone Fest 2025 was a massive success. It wasn&rsquo;t just about the technology&mdash;it was about people coming together, sharing knowledge, and pushing the boundaries of what&rsquo;s possible in the drone industry.
<h5 class="p1">Social Media Explosion&nbsp;</h5>
The digital reach of the event was insane!
&bull; 30,000+ engagements on social media during the opening night alone&nbsp;
&bull; 3.8 million+ online impressions across all platforms&nbsp;
&bull; YouTube videos (including mine!) racking up thousands of views in the first 48 hours
The hashtag #PSDroneFest was trending, and creators like Sally French, Real People Real Life, and myself helped push the event to a global audience. NBC Palm Springs even covered the event, bringing more mainstream attention to the drone community.
<h5 class="p1">Final Thoughts</h5>
At the end of the day, Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025 wasn&rsquo;t just a festival&mdash;it was a cultural shift. It proved that drone technology isn&rsquo;t just for filmmakers or tech enthusiasts; it&rsquo;s an art form, a sport, an educational tool, and a growing industry with endless possibilities**.
If you missed it this year, don&rsquo;t make that mistake again. Mark your calendars for next year&mdash;because PS Drone Fest is only getting bigger!
And if you want a full behind-the-scenes look, check out my YouTube vlog where I document everything from my crazy travel experience to exclusive footage of the best performances, drone races, and industry insights.&nbsp;
<h5 class="p1">Watch!</h5>
<iframe style="width: 667px; height: 375px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J7ExBSUPocg?si=7AVVi2xcf8rZb_EQ" width="667" height="375" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h5 class="p1">Bonus: Top-Tier Music for Your Videos!&nbsp;</h5>
I also want to shout out my partnership with Audiio, where I get top-quality music for my videos. If you&rsquo;re looking for the perfect soundtrack for your next project, you can save 70 percent off your first year by using <a href="https://audiio.com/partner?oid=1&amp;affid=1495](https://audiio.com/partner?oid=1&amp;affid=1495" target="_blank" rel="noopener">THIS LINK and USE CODE SAVE70</a>.

Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025

02 April 2025
As drones continue to become essential factors in warfare, the U.S. Marine Corps is rising to the challenge by forming The Marine Corps Attack Drone Team (MCADT)&mdash;a FPV-training squad that will study, develop, and deploy high-tech systems to enhance the service's combat readiness.
In a statement, the Marines shared: &ldquo;The team&rsquo;s mission is to integrate lessons from modern combat; represent the Marine Corps in inter-service, national, and international competitions; and, through iterative training and competition, provide input to the development of cutting-edge FPV drone capabilities to enhance warfighting effectiveness."
The MCADT&mdash;which will be based at the Weapons Training Battalion-Quantico in Virginia&mdash;comes at a mission-critical time.
Real-world, battlefield examples of the effectiveness of FPV drones as attack and reconnaissance "warriors" have been constant during the Russia-Ukraine war
&ldquo;Today&rsquo;s battlefield is changing rapidly, and we must adapt just as quickly,&rdquo; said MCADT officer-in-charge Maj. Alejandro Tavizon.&nbsp;&ldquo;The MCADT will ensure our warfighters remain at the forefront of precision drone employment, providing a critical advantage in future conflicts.&rdquo;
The MCADT isn't taking its sweet time to ramp up operations. A training competition has already been scheduled for June, where the MCADT will launch simulated tactical missions against elite fighting teams, such as the 75th Ranger Regiment.&nbsp;
<h5>Learn More</h5>
<iframe style="width: 672px; height: 378px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ft0a-edZhuw?si=l_V7I1MEu-S3Fr6b" width="672" height="378" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

U.S. Marines Go to War Against Combat Drones

<h5>01 April 2025</h5>
As movie-production costs continue to rise amid tragically diminishing revenue expectations, the film industry is looking to AI-enabled drones to deliver stunning cinemagraphic experiences without human intervention.
"Drones can work tirelessly and repeatedly until they get the shot, they don't require hours of setup and lighting adjustments to do their job, they don't have safety concerns, and they don't argue with the director," said an industry source who wished to remain anonymous. "Plus, we can save skyrocketing production costs by replacing a large human cinematography team with two or three drones. Think of a film like Netflix's The Electric State. If we had used drones to shoot that movie, it wouldn't have been a $320 million bomb. It could have only been a $300 million bomb."
Rapid technological advances in drone design, AI, and UAV-mounted cameras appear to have made conventional filming methods things of the past&mdash;no more relevant to today's moviemaking than the hand-cranked cameras of the Silent Era.
"Look, we need to produce content fast and furious," said an unnamed film director. "Customers subscribing to streaming services seem to want new movies every week. We can't keep up with that. It takes a week just to organize the catering service for a film set. But now, I can enter five movie scripts into an autonomous drone system, ship a few camera drones to five different locations, and I'll have five different movies shot and ready to edit in less than two or three days!"
On the whole, actors appear to be celebrating the new methodology.
"I love have quick location shoots have become," said XXX, an action-flick actor who refused to be identified due to a union affiliation. "No more waiting, waiting, and waiting. You hit your mark, say your lines, take out the bad guys, and the drone is right there. No hassles or resets due to human error or operator fatigue. Even on a tortuous shoot, I can be home or in my hotel by 6:00 pm, and I don't have to feel bad about not inviting the cinematographer to dinner or out for drinks."
The next step on the horizon looks to be adding AI direction to the drone systems&mdash;a move that will make all but the most famous directors unnecessary.
"Looking forward to that, as well," said XXX. "Drones don't yell, don't get drunk on set, don't ask for constant takes, and don't mess with an actor's interpretation of his or her part. Seems like bliss."
There has been no comment from the various Hollywood film unions about this new development.

Hollywood Studios Set to Fire All Cinematographers

[Above photo courtesy of Airbus.]
28 March 2025
From a 20-year-old "training dummy" design <a href="https://www.airbus.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Airbus</a> has produced an affordable, European-made strategy for intercepting kamikaze drone threats.
Called LOAD&mdash;for Low-Cost Air Defense&mdash;Airbus executives unveiled the anti-drone design at an unmanned systems trade show in Bonn, Germany, March 26, 2025.
LOAD was birthed from the Airbus Do-DT25&mdash;a cheap and disposable drone platform from the advent of the 2000s that was designed for target practice.
The "modded" LOAD version of this former training drone is anticipated to be armed with three guided missiles, have an operational range of 160 miles, travel at a top speed of 345 miles per hour, and a flight time of approximately one hour. Launched by a catapult, the LOAD drone is also expected to be reusable. Preliminary data states it can zoom back to base and touch down via a parachute.
A two-missile prototype is expected to be operational this year, and the final product looks to be in the air by 2027.
Airbus press materials state: "LOAD will be supervised from a ground control station. It will coordinate the drones on the basis of radar data or air-situation images and can therefore autonomously search for, detect and&mdash;following the approval of their engagement&mdash;combat enemy kamikaze drones. Airbus plans to integrate LOAD with other unmanned airborne platforms&mdash;such as our Eurodrone project&mdash;allowing LOAD to operate in regions not yet fully covered by ground-based air-defense radars.&rdquo;
Interestingly, as Europe continues to diminish dependence on America, the new LOAD drone will contain no technology from the United States. The system is also expected to be free from the International Traffic in Arms Regulations imposed by Washington, leaving future export decisions solely to European user nations.

Featured News Trending NewsAre We Crewed or Screwed?

Featured News Trending NewsOpinion: Can the Drone Industry Erase China?

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Featured News Trending NewsCan We Unleash Drones on Mexican Cartels?

Featured News Trending NewsChina Swats Down American Drone Manufacturers

Featured News Trending NewsPalm Springs Drone Fest 2025

Featured News Trending NewsU.S. Marines Go to War Against Combat Drones

Featured News Trending NewsHollywood Studios Set to Fire All Cinematographers

Featured News Trending NewsAirbus Unleashes Low-Cost Air Defense Drone