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The LIFT Act: Finally Opening the Door to Routine BVLOS Drone Flights in the United States?

The “Leading Innovation in Flight Technology (LIFT) Act,” introduced by Rep.Jen Kiggans (R-VA) on July 24, 2025, aims to accelerate U.S. rules for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. The measure would compel the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to set clear performance standards, use artificial intelligence to speed […]

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Tethered and Unstoppable: How Fiber-Optic Drones Are Rewriting the Rules of Battlefield Control

As radio-controlled drones face growing interference, Ukraine and Russia embrace fiber-optic UAVs for unjammable, high-precision operations. What Is a Fiber-Optic Drone? Fiber-optic drones are first-person-view (FPV) drones or loitering munitions connected to their operator by an ultra-thin fiber-optic cable rather than a radio link. These tethers, often stretching up to 20 kilometers or more, carry […]

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US and Ukraine Move Closer to Landmark Drone Deal

Big Plans for Drone Collaboration The United States and Ukraine are in advanced talks over a new partnership that could change the future of small drones on both sides of the Atlantic. Leaders from both countries are working on a landmark agreement that would see the US investing in Ukraine’s rapidly growing drone industry in […]

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DIU Expands Blue sUAS List to Include Green sUAS Platforms, Clarifies Certification Pathways

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has announced substantial changes to its Blue sUAS program, now immediately recognizing Green UAS certified platforms as eligible for Blue UAS Cleared status. These updates represent a more inclusive approach to certifying secure unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for governmental and Department of Defense (DoD) use. Major Context: Hegseth’s Memo and […]

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Pentagon Transfers Blue sUAS Program to DCMA, Opens Door to More Drone Companies

Major Changes Coming to the Pentagon’s Blue sUAS Drone Program The Pentagon is making sweeping changes to its Blue sUAS program that could transform how the military buys and uses small drones. These reforms, outlined in a new Defense Secretary memo from July 2025, aim to speed up drone purchases and support American companies while […]

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What the U.S. Section 232 Drone Probe Means for the Industry

U.S. Initiates Section 232 Investigation Into Imported Drones: Implications for Industry and Security On July 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce formally announced the initiation of a Section 232 investigation into the national security implications of importing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, and related components. This move marks a significant step […]

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What’s Flying Above California’s Wildfires? The Drone Revolution Explained

Drones Take Center Stage in California’s 2025 Wildfire Response Advanced technology helps agencies fight fires faster and safer California’s 2025 wildfire season has pushed the state to expand its use of drones and other unmanned systems in firefighting. State and local agencies, along with research institutions and private companies, have adopted advanced drones to help […]

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Trump’s Tariffs on Brazil: A Supply Chain Shock for the Drone Industry

When President Trump announced a sweeping 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports, most people probably thought about coffee, beef, or soybeans. But for the drone industry, this trade move could shake up some critical supply chains in ways that might surprise you. The Brazilian Connection Brazil might not be the first country that comes to […]

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Bryan Bedford Confirmed as FAA Administrator

Senate Confirms Aviation Industry Pick The U.S. Senate today confirmed Bryan Bedford as the next Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, ending a contentious nomination process that largely divided along party lines. Bedford, the longtime CEO of Republic Airways, will lead the agency at a critical moment for American aviation safety and modernization.  The final […]

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FAA Makes Significant BVLOS Progress, But Critical Gaps Remain in Achieving Scalable Operations

New OIG Report Highlights Achievements and Persistent Challenges in Beyond Visual Line of Sight Drone Integration The Federal Aviation Administration has made substantial progress in advancing beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations, with approvals increasing from 1,229 in 2020 to 26,870 in 2023, according to a newly released report from the Department of […]

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