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In this episode of Weekly Wings, a DroneLife.com podcast, Paul Rossi and Terry Neff break down some of the most critical updates in the drone industry, including DJI’s decision to remove GeoZone restrictions and the broader implications of the ongoing U.S. push to eliminate Chinese drone influence. They discuss how this move aligns with the […]
The post DJI’s Big Move, US Drone Manufacturing and the Future of Counter UAS on Weekly Wings appeared first on DRONELIFE.
Small versus large drone companies? Specialization or generalization? China or American drone companies? There’s a lot of questions up in the air for drone businesses in 2025. But already, we have some key indicators of where things are headed.
The folks over at German-based drone consulting firm Drone Industry Insights (DII) just released their Global Drone Review 2024. This year’s version of the annual report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the drone market today, honing in on the most important types of operations and the key players behind them. Here are the most critical takeaways from this year’s review:
Sure, there are some big names in the drone industry (I’m looking at you, DJI). But especially when it comes to companies that actually fly drones, the commercial drone market remains dominated by small enterprises. According to DII’s Global Drone Review 2024, 55% of companies operate with fewer than 10 employees.
And yes, actually flying drones as a service is the most common type of drone company. Perhaps that’s because hardware companies like DJI do dominate the market and have made it tough for smaller companies to break into manufacturing fields. But as it stands, drone service providers make up 74% of all drone companies, followed by hardware manufacturers (18%) and software developers (7%).
As a whole, the world logged 10.83 million flight hours in 2024, which is a 29% increase versus 2023. Some regions fly way more flight hours, though, than others.
With 19.5 million drone flights in 2024 according to DII’s data, Asia continues to dominate drone operations. That’s even more flights than recorded last year. When broken down by actual hours, Asia logged about 3.8 million flight hours.
But what other places should you have your sights on? Emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are catching up, with the highest proportion of advanced BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) flights.
South America also stands out because, while it doesn’t actually have that many drone flights relative to other regions, the rate of drone flights is growing at a rapid pace. BVLOS flights are up 62% versus last year, and BVLOS flights are up 41% versus last year.
Related read: How a Trump presidency could reshape the drone industry: regulation, innovation, and the China question
Asia leads in drone flights, and China specifically leads in actually making drones.
Despite calls from certain politicians to ban Chinese drones, it’s still the case that Chinese manufacturers — led by DJI — continue to dominate commercial drone production. Just last week, DJI revealed its new DJI Flip drone, just another in an onslaught of new products coming out of DJI in the past few months including the DJI Air 3S and DJI Neo.
DJI escaped concerning efforts to ban its products from the U.S. when the final FY25 NDAA bill published — and the Countering CCP Drones Act was notably left out. That act would have effectively banned DJI drones by adding DJI to a list of companies deemed threats to national security.
Still though, debate over the role of Chinese drone makers like DJI and Autel in the U.S. market is far from over. Lawmakers have indicated that they want to revisit the issue in future legislation, and federal agencies could implement additional guidelines or restrictions independently of Congress.
For example, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) recently issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) in early January, suggesting that the group is going to make some rules around drone supply chains. And whatever they come up with it potentially will not be favorable to Chinese drone makers.
Related read: Drones in 2025: what to expect, challenges and opportunities for the industry ahead
Mapping and surveying applications remain the top commercial drone use cases, capturing 29% of business services and 35% of service provider operations. Meanwhile, inspection services have seen remarkable growth, and new industries like industrial filming and specialized applications are gaining traction.
Whether mapping or some other type of drone service, companies have benefited from regulatory progress. Sure, approval times and still be length and complicated, but more companies are getting approval to fly missions that aren’t outright approved across the board, such as — in many countries — flying drones beyond visual line of sight. In fact, 65% of service providers are now equipped for advanced missions. That’s enabled the industry to evolve toward sophisticated mission capabilities and specialized services, such as BVLOS operations and niche industrial applications.
Sure, we’re grappling with inflation and a tough job market, but at least drone industry players say they’re optimistic. According to DII’s survey, the industry confidence index climbed to 6.8 out of 10 this year.
Interestingly, manufacturers lead at an all-time high of 7.5. Evolving regulations and anti-Chinese drone policies in countries like the U.S. could shift the competitive landscape.
And there are all sorts of reasons to be optimistic. The area of “Drones for Good” is proving strong, with experts predicting that the number of DFR programs (those are Drones for First Response) set to double in 2025. Products like the DJI Matrice 4 Series, which launched in early 2025, have made those programs increasingly accessible. CES 2025 showed us all kinds of nifty new tech, and we’re seeing strong progress in areas like drone delivery.
For the full report and deeper insights, check out the Global Drone Review 2024 by Drone Industry Insights.
What trends are you most excited about across drone businesses in 2025? Let me know in the comments!
The post 5 key insights suggest what to expect from drone businesses in 2025 appeared first on The Drone Girl.
With the advent of drones in recent years, new applications and new capabilities have emerged, along with a shift towards using drones for missions that were previously much more costly and complex. Lionel Clarisse, chief architect for drone systems at Thales, discusses the new frontiers opened up by long-range drones. What can long-range drones be […]
– Amprius Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer of next-generation lithium-ion batteries with its Silicon Anode Platform, has announced a new SiCore cell as part of its expanding SiCore product platform. Designed to revolutionize high-performance electric mobility, the SiCore platform utilizes a proprietary silicon anode material system to deliver the best-known commercially available energy and power performance […]
The US Army is seeking industry input on a spy aircraft that can launch unmanned aerial systems. The aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform will be based on an executive jet aircraft, such as a Bombardier G6500, and operate at medium to high altitudes. This announcement seems to attempt to expand the capabilities of the High […]Breakthrough innovation offers longer flights and reliable performance in extreme climates As the U.S. government prioritizes supply chain resilience and reduces reliance on Chinese manufacturing, companies like BEI are contributing cutting-edge innovations to meet these goals. Founded in South Korea and now with offices in the United States, BEI is driving advancements that promise to […]
The post New Next-Generation Battery Technology Doubles Drone Flight Time appeared first on DRONELIFE.
Don’t miss AgEagle Aerial on the Drone Radio Show, with host Randy Goers. Bill Irby, CEO of AgEagle, discusses the company’s evolution and technology, the expansion into military and public safety markets, a recent White House visit and the role of AI and innovation in the Drone Industry. Listen here: Drone Radio Show · Shaping […]
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Flock Safety brings high-tech crimefighting to DFR By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill With two recent acquisitions, Flock Safety, an Atlanta-based company that produces high-tech crime-fighting tools for law enforcement agencies, recently signaled a big move into the drone security space. In October, Flock Safety bought Aerodome, a company specializing in drones as first responders […]
The post DRONELIFE Exclusive Interview: Flock Safety’s Vision for High-Tech Crimefighting with DFR appeared first on DRONELIFE.
DJI, the company best known for its dominance in the drone market, has just entered a new realm: car charging. The release of its DJI Power 1.8kW Solar/Car Super Fast Charger and DJI Power 1kW Super Fast Car Charger marks a bold step into the world of renewable energy and off-grid power solutions. But what does this move signify for the company, and how does it fit into DJI’s broader strategy of diversification?
While DJI has long been synonymous with drones, it hasn’t been smooth sailing. The company has faced significant political scrutiny, particularly in the U.S., where some politicians have stoked fears about data security and the potential for DJI’s drones to be tools of espionage. These concerns have led to restrictions on DJI products by U.S. government agencies and created a challenging environment for the company to operate in its primary market.
In some cases it’s been in response to poltitics — and in some cases it’s plain, smart business diversification. But especially in recent years, DJI has leaned into expanding its product portfolio beyond just drones. Its Osmo series of handheld gimbals and cameras was an early indication that the company wasn’t content to put all its eggs in the drone basket.
The DJI Power Series, which includes portable battery systems like the Power 1000 and Power 500, further underscores this shift. By expanding into adjacent industries, DJI is insulating itself from the political turbulence and demonstrating its prowess in battery technology and consumer electronics.
The new chargers build on the foundation of the DJI Power Series, which launched in mid-2024 to capitalize on over a decade of DJI’s expertise in battery development.
And in January 2025, DJI added new products to that lineup, which are:
Both chargers integrate with the Power 1000 and its expansion batteries, which can provide up to 11,264 Wh of backup power in a home or mobile setting. These features position the chargers as versatile tools for travelers, homeowners and anyone looking to reduce their reliance on traditional energy grids.
DJI’s foray into energy solutions makes sense when considering its technological foundation. The same battery innovations that power drones can be repurposed for other applications, such as portable energy storage and solar integration. Plus, the move also aligns with global trends toward renewable energy and eco-friendly living.
By offering products that cater to RV users, off-grid enthusiasts, and households in need of backup power, DJI is tapping into a growing market that values sustainability and flexibility.
The product launch into the car charging space also makes it clear that DJI does not merely want to be a drone maker — it’s a technology company with aspirations to impact multiple industries. And sure, DJI will continue to make new drones. In recent months — DJI gave us three incredible new consumer drones that touch various skill levels and price points: DJI Neo, DJI Flip and DJI Air 3S. It also has been forging ahead in the enterprise drone space with products like the new DJI Matrice 4 Series.
This diversification could also mitigate risks as DJI continues to face geopolitical challenges. While drones remain the company’s bread and butter, products like the Power 1000 and its super-fast chargers could ensure that DJI stays relevant, no matter how the political winds shift.
And as far as these new DJI Power products go, consumers now have more DJI stuff to get their hands on. Whether you’re a road tripper, an off-grid adventurer, or just someone preparing for the next power outage, DJI’s new chargers could be a source of reliable energy in a portable, eco-friendly package.
As DJI continues to evolve, one thing is clear: this is a company that won’t be grounded anytime soon.
The post DJI is now a…car charging company? appeared first on The Drone Girl.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense has awarded Boeing a contract to test aerial drones for the country’s manned-unmanned teaming research and development. The 155.1-million Japanese yen ($980,000) project calls for the American company’s segment in Japan to simulate unmanned systems that are “capable of combat in collaboration with manned aircraft,” similar to the US military’s ongoing […]