In this episode of Weekly Wings, Paul Rossi and Terry Neff dive into the latest developments in drone technology, global policy, and market shifts. They start by analyzing BYD’s groundbreaking EV-drone integration, where the world’s largest EV manufacturer has partnered with DJI to incorporate a docking system for autonomous drones in its vehicles. They debate the practicality of this feature and its potential applications for creative travelers, public safety, and autonomous vehicle integration.
Shifting gears, they explore the $1.5 billion U.S. investment into Ukraine’s drone industry, discussing how American intelligence has reportedly helped design a new generation of drones for modern warfare. They question why these funds weren’t directed toward struggling U.S. drone manufacturers like Red Cat, Ondas, and Unusual Machines, which could have benefited from defense contracts.
The conversation moves to DJI’s latest product leaks, including early images of the Mavic 4 Pro and Mini 5, with speculation about LiDAR capabilities. They also discuss DJI’s Dock 3, which offers vehicle-mounted drone deployment, hinting at future law enforcement and commercial applications.
The episode wraps up with a discussion on the push for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rulemaking in the U.S., with the Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) urging the Trump administration to accelerate deregulation. Paul and Terry highlight how BVLOS approvals could open doors for large-scale commercial drone operations, benefiting industries from infrastructure inspection to public safety.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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