Drone America and SpecTIR Partner to Expand Hyperspectral UAS Capabilities

Posted by Dronerator

Nevada-Based Companies Collaborate on Advanced Aerial Imaging for Government and Commercial Use A New Collaboration for Enhanced Aerial Sensing Drone America, a U.S. manufacturer of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), and SpecTIR, a specialist in hyperspectral imaging technologies, have signed a new strategic agreement. The partnership will focus on delivering advanced aerial imaging solutions for use […]

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Drones on Patrol: Texas Constable’s Office Expands UAV Program

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Texas constable’s office beefs up its drone program By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill In a recent incident, a suspect whose vehicle had evaded deputies from Harris County Texas Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman’s office tried to evade capture on foot by running into a wooded area. Using drones, deployed in combination with K-9 dogs, […]

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XPONENTIAL 2025 lands in Houston this week — here’s what not to miss

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Houston, we are go for launch. The launch of XPONENTIAL 2025, that is.

AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025, which is a massive conference for all things drones (as well as other types of robotics), kicks off today at the George R. Brown Convention Center. It runs through May 22. And if you’re there, expect more than just a big expo hall of booths plus some speakers on the show floor. This year’s conference includes multiple co-located events, which are add-on workshops specific to certain industries, like military or law.

You’ll even get to meet Chris Rocheleau, Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration as he gives one of the featured keynotes. Other keynotes include one with Sue Gordon, Former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence of the United States of America.

Whether you’re coming to learn, network or geek out over the latest in air, land, sea and space autonomy, XPONENTIAL 2025 is pretty much the ultimate place to do that, particularly if you’re in the enterprise drone realm. This is the event of the year for industries like defense, energy, logistics, public safety and environmental science.

Specific to AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025, here’s your preview of what to look out for this week around the conference:

Must-see companies on the show floor

SkyWatch | Booth #4041

If you’re a drone operator, there’s one booth you can’t afford to skip: SkyWatch, the U.S. market leader in drone insurance with over 200,000 policies issued. Of course it’ll be educational to talk to them, but there’s one other reason to visit at Booth #4041. They’re offering a giveaway to win an FPV racing drone! Let’s hope you win.

SkyWatch offers flexible coverage for hourly, monthly, or annual flight needs—and they’ve built a reputation on nearly perfect 5-star reviews from UAV pilots across the country. Their intuitive platform makes it easy for operators to get the coverage they need, when they need it.

Additionally, Tyler, SkyWatch’s Head of Partnerships, will be giving a talk at the Innovation Theater on May 21 dubbed “Drone Insurance Made Easy.”

Amniscient | Booth #3433

Computer vision AI is quietly becoming one of the biggest disruptors in automation—and Amniscient is leading the charge. At XPONENTIAL 2025, they’re showcasing AmniSphere, a platform that helps businesses of all sizes unlock real-time operational insights using computer vision.

Meteomatics | Booth #2915

You know the forecast. Now meet the drone that made it.

Meteomatics, the company behind high-resolution forecasting for brands like Toyota and CVS Health, is bringing its Meteodrone to Houston. This autonomous drone flies up to 20,000 feet to gather weather data from the low-level atmosphere — where most commercial weather data systems don’t reach.

This translates into forecasts that are 9x more granular than government sources—a major boon for aviation, agriculture, energy, and logistics companies. At AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025, you’ll be able to meet Brad Guay, Meteomatics’ Aerospace Lead.

What’s new and what’s next

XPONENTIAL 2025 has added some new features and given some upgrades to its programming tracks from past years. Some highlights to look forward to:

  • Innovation Theater programming focused on oil, gas, and critical infrastructure
  • A brand-new Technical Components, Materials, & Propulsion track
  • Expanded cybersecurity and counter-UxS content
  • Interactive workshops with more hands-on learning than ever
  • Fresh debate-style formats that dig into the most pressing industry controversies

Personally, I’m most curious about that debate style format. I’m tired of panels of 6 people where everyone says something to the effect of, “to echo what so-and-so said,” or “I have to agree with so-and-so.” Don’t just repeat what was said! Give me a hot take! Share a new viewpoint! I love a good debate, and I love that XPONENTIAL 2025 will lean into it.

Co-located events at XPONENTIAL 2025

Law-Tech Connect Workshop

May 19 | 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM CST
Early Bird: $249 | Standard: $299
Includes XPO Hall Pass

Hosted by my friend Dawn Zoldi, this is my go-to event for legal minds, engineers and operators navigating the regulatory minefield of drones, AI and autonomy. Expect it to cover global drone laws, AAM policy, AI regulation, space tech and more.

DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Forum

May 19–22 | Various Times
Early Bird: $299 | Standard: $399
Free with Full Conference or VIP Pass

This four-day public safety powerhouse brings together fire, law enforcement, EMS and emergency managers from across the country. Expect focused education, live demos, and strategic networking.

AUVSI Defense

May 20–22 | Defense Theater
Open to Full Conference & VIP Pass holders + uniformed personnel with Hall Pass

This is where defense officials and prime contractors come together to align autonomy innovation with national security missions. Expect high-level speakers, program updates and classified insights into the future of uncrewed systems on the battlefield.

U.S.-Taiwan Autonomous Systems Cooperation Forum

May 20 | 10:45 AM – 1:00 PM CST
Free with special registration + Full Conference/VIP Pass

This restricted-access, closed-door session will focus on strengthening U.S.-Taiwan cooperation in autonomous tech and defense supply chains — crucial for U.S. industrial resilience and Indo-Pacific security strategy.

How to maximize XPONENTIAL 2025

Plan your floor walk, book your sessions early, and leave time for discovery. The future of autonomy is being built across booths and theaters. You never know which handshake or panel will shape your next business move. Have fun in Houston. Happy flying!

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Ukraine’s AIM-9 Sidewinder-Armed Magura-7 Drone Boat on Display

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Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) released new video and details about the Magura-7 uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) the spy agency claims it used to down two Russian Su-30 Flanker multirole fighters. The revelations came during a ceremony to introduce a new stamp honouring Ukraine’s USV campaign that offered our best view yet of the Magura-7 […]

Raytheon to Build Coyote Factory in UAE

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Raytheon, an RTX business, announced the inauguration of a new advanced industrial facility at Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi. The facility will serve as a specialised centre for the assembly and testing of the Coyote Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS). Together with the Tawazun Council, it has established a 21,500-square-foot facility in Abu Dhabi’s Tawazun […]

Poland Buys 10,000 Warmate Loitering Ammunitions

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On May 15, 2025, a framework agreement was signed in Warsaw between the Armament Agency and WB Electronics SA for the delivery of nearly one thousand sets of WARMATE loitering ammunition. The agreement, valid until the end of 2035, assumes the acquisition of approximately one thousand sets of drones under subsequent implementation agreements. Future deliveries […]

QinetiQ Delivers 10,000th Banshee

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– QinetiQ has produced its 10,000th Banshee aerial training target, reinforcing its position as a world leader in advanced threat representation and mission-readiness training. The Banshee is a cost-effective Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) designed for threat representation and operational training. It is used by more than 40 nations and can emulate crewed aircraft, missiles and […]

Chinese Student Xu Yang Breaks ‘Impossible’ Microdrone World Speed Record at 211 mph

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A Chinese student’s microdrone has set a Guinness World Record in southern China while racing through the air at the speed of a high-speed train. The Prowess microdrone, weighing less than 250 grams (8.8 ounces), reached 340.78km/h (211.75mph), setting a world record for remote-controlled microdrone quadcopters. The record was broken by model aircraft enthusiast Xu […]

Drone insurance, demystified: Leo Arnan of SkyWatch.ai offers pro insights

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Let’s be real — drone insurance can feel confusing, expensive and downright frustrating. But it doesn’t have to be. That’s why I sat down with Leo Arnan of SkyWatch.ai, the company that’s redefining how drone pilots think about insurance.

SkyWatch.ai makes on-demand, affordable, and flexible drone insurance as easy as opening an app. Whether you’re a weekend flyer who needs coverage for a single shoot or a commercial pilot managing a fleet, SkyWatch.ai offers scalable solutions that fit the way you fly.

In our video conversation, Leo shares:

  • Why drone insurance is more important than ever
  • What makes SkyWatch.ai a game-changer in the industry
  • Pro tips for choosing the right insurance plan
  • A sneak peek at what’s next for drone pilots and regulations

Watch the video of the full conversation below, or directly on my YouTube channel:

While drone insurance is not a legal requirement in the U.S., you likely still need it if you’re flying for business. Few clients will hire you if you’re uninsured. Even property owners, say, a wedding venue owner, will likely require drone insurance.

Leo Arnan truly is the expert. He’s spent years as the Customer Success Manager, working directly with customers — many of whom are drone business owners. If you fly drones, you need to understand how insurance protects your gear, your business and your reputation. This video is your shortcut to doing exactly that.

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S-100 CAMCOPTER Strengthens Greek FDI Frigate Capabilities

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In an exclusive interview with Naval News at DEFEA 2025, Lubos Sramek, Sales Director for Europe at Schiebel, shared key insights into the S-100 CAMCOPTER Vertical Takeoff and Landing Unmanned Air System, which is set to equip Hellenic Navy’s future Kimon -class (FDI HN) frigates. The S-100, CAMCOPTER developed by Austrian manufacturer Schiebel, has been […]