LexisNexis patent analysis finds China leads in patent volume, while U.S. patent strength has caught up and emerging drone IP spans six countries For years, DJI has been the dominant manufacturer in the commercial drone market. Now, U.S. policy is pushing the domestic market toward a broader supply chain. In December 2025, the Federal Communications Commission added … [Read more...] about The Drone Industry Is More Global Than You Think
Skydio
Skydio Unveils F10 Lightrunner Fixed-Wing Drone and MegaDock at Ascend 2026
The company's first fixed-wing aircraft flies up to 100 mph across a 30-mile radius from a five-aircraft robotic dock, alongside two new industry-specific software platforms. Skydio announced the F10 Lightrunner, its first fixed-wing aircraft, on September 24, 2026 at its annual Ascend conference in Summerlin, Nevada. The San Mateo, California drone manufacturer also … [Read more...] about Skydio Unveils F10 Lightrunner Fixed-Wing Drone and MegaDock at Ascend 2026
MFE Offshore Adds Hydromea EXRAY Underwater Inspection ROV to Portfolio
Houston-based MFE Offshore becomes an official distributor of Hydromea's tetherless underwater inspection technology for energy operators. MFE Offshore announced July 9, 2026, that it has partnered with Swiss underwater robotics developer Hydromea to distribute the Hydromea EXRAY underwater inspection ROV across the energy, industrial, hydropower, marine infrastructure and … [Read more...] about MFE Offshore Adds Hydromea EXRAY Underwater Inspection ROV to Portfolio
Fort Worth Takes a Vendor-Neutral Approach to Building Its DFR Program
Fort Worth PD ‘test drives’ vendors’ DFR systems By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill As police departments across the country are increasingly adding drones as first responder programs to their arsenal of law enforcement tools, each agency has to make decisions as to what set of DFR systems will best fit the needs of their particular community. The Fort Worth Police … [Read more...] about Fort Worth Takes a Vendor-Neutral Approach to Building Its DFR Program
HOVERAir’s UK Launch Raises a Bigger Question: Who Will Serve America’s Consumer Drone Market?
HOVERAir has announced the UK launch of its new X1 Smart, a 99-gram self-flying camera designed to make aerial content creation easier for everyday users. The ultra-light aircraft launches from the user's hand, follows subjects automatically, and captures hands-free video without requiring traditional piloting skills. According to the company, the launch completes HOVERAir's … [Read more...] about HOVERAir’s UK Launch Raises a Bigger Question: Who Will Serve America’s Consumer Drone Market?
