The DRONERESPONDERS National Public Safety UAS Conference kicked off in Williamsburg, VA this morning. The conference opened with keynote addresses from industry thought leaders and change makers. Among the topics most discussed by attendees and speakers was the issue of proposed bans on the use of federal funds to purchase drones made in China, including industry leader … [Read more...] about Former DOI Director on the Impact of the American Drone Security Act: From the Floor of the National Public Safety UAS Conference
DOI
DJI Responds to DOI Memo: Grounding Fleet Was “Never About National Security”
Today, the world's largest drone manufacturer, DJI responds to Department of the Interior memo recommending that department heads purchase U.S.-manufactured drones from the "Blue sUAS" list. The Department of Interior (DOI) has a long history with DJI, who worked with them closely on building their initial fleet. As the department responsible for the management of public … [Read more...] about DJI Responds to DOI Memo: Grounding Fleet Was “Never About National Security”
U.S. Department of the Interior to Use U.S. Manufactured Drones
After the fleet of U.S. Department of Interior drones was downed earlier this year in response to concerns about Chinese-manufactured drone platforms, the DOI has not flown except for emergency response. (See our 2 part coverage of the U.S. ban on Chinese drones, here and here.) As the party responsible for managing U.S. public lands and land resources, Department of the … [Read more...] about U.S. Department of the Interior to Use U.S. Manufactured Drones
DJI Responds to the Department of Interior Downing Their Drone Fleet
The world's largest drone manufacturer, Chinese-based DJI, has responded to the U.S. Department of the Interior's announcement that they would down their fleet of drones except for emergency response, amid government concerns over security. Although DJI drones represent only a small fraction of fleet, some proposals from lawmakers suggest limiting not only Chinese-manufactured … [Read more...] about DJI Responds to the Department of Interior Downing Their Drone Fleet
Department of the Interior to Permanently Halt Drone Programs
The Financial Times has today reported that the US Department of the Interior is planning to ground its civilian drone program for good in response to growing concerns that hardware made wholly or partly in China could pose a security risk. The latest move by the Trump administration will see the DOI halt the use of its fleet of nearly 1,000 drones. The entirety of DOI’s … [Read more...] about Department of the Interior to Permanently Halt Drone Programs
