By Dronelife Features Editor Jim Magill The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department has continued to expand its current drones as first responders (DFR) program, despite concerns that its use of drones and equipment made by Chinese company DJI could raise security issues. In January Chief Stacey Graves Police created a specialized DFR unit, with four officers who are … [Read more...] about Kansas City Police Move Forward With DJI For DFR Program Expansion
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DJI Seeks Court Review as FCC Covered List Expansion Reshapes U.S. Drone Market
Petition challenges December ruling affecting foreign-made UAS and components The U.S. drone industry continues to adjust to a significant regulatory shift following a December 2025 decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to expand its Covered List to include certain foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and critical components. In response, Chinese … [Read more...] about DJI Seeks Court Review as FCC Covered List Expansion Reshapes U.S. Drone Market
Trojan Horse or Trade Dispute? Texas Attorney General Targets Anzu in High-Stakes Drone Lawsuit
Texas AG sues Anzu, claims company sells DJI clones By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill Claiming that the company is “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” the Texas attorney general has sued Anzu Robotics, for allegedly failing to disclose its business relationship with DJI, and in creating products that are essentially clones of DJI’s UAVs. In a suit filed in the District … [Read more...] about Trojan Horse or Trade Dispute? Texas Attorney General Targets Anzu in High-Stakes Drone Lawsuit
Back for Another Year: SkyfireAI’s Annual Drone Industry Predictions for 2026 (Guest Post)
It's become a tradition! For the last two years, Matt Sloane of SkyfireAI gave us his predictions for the drone industry... and he wasn't wrong. Here's the 2026 update! Matt's take on the FCC ruling, the big winners and losers, and what happens as the drone industry enters its "awkward teenage phase." DRONELIFE does not accept or make payment for guest posts Drone Industry … [Read more...] about Back for Another Year: SkyfireAI’s Annual Drone Industry Predictions for 2026 (Guest Post)
FCC Adds Foreign-Made Drones and Components to Covered List: What It Means for Operators and Manufacturers
New FCC action blocks future equipment authorizations for foreign-made drones and critical components, while previously authorized aircraft remain legal to operate. Key Facts: What Changed and Why On December 22, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added foreign-made unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and a range of critical UAS components to its Covered List, … [Read more...] about FCC Adds Foreign-Made Drones and Components to Covered List: What It Means for Operators and Manufacturers
