A Spectacular Display Showcases India’s Growing Drone Industry All images provided courtesy of BotLab Dynamics. On October 22, 2024, the Amaravati Drone Summit witnessed an unprecedented aerial spectacle as 5,500 drones took to the sky, setting five world records in a single show. The event, hosted in Vijayawada, marked a significant moment for India’s drone […]
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Soar over one of France’s most enchanting landmarks, nestled on the shores of Lake Annecy and the Thiou River. 
Perfect for travel vlogs, documentaries, or your next creative project.
More dronestock Photos and Videos from Annecy available to license for all your audiovisual projects
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The following guest post about drone use throughout the conflict in Ukraine was written by Mary-Lou Smulders, Chief Marketing Officer at Dedrone. Dedrone, which was acquired by Axon in 2024 is an airspace security company that builds technology to detect, track, identify, analyze and mitigate drone threats while enabling “good” drones to fly.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the lessons learned about uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and airspace control will influence military strategies worldwide for years to come. The historical context of air superiority, rooted in the experiences of World War I, serves as a backdrop for this ongoing evolution in aerial warfare.
During WWI, airspace superiority was defined as the side that had the most capable airplanes (crewed aircraft) flown by the best pilots. This control was crucial for effective reconnaissance, bombing missions and ground support.
For nearly a century, the principles of air superiority remained largely unchanged, influencing military strategies in conflicts ranging consequently from World War II to the Cold War. However, the current conflict in Ukraine has highlighted a significant shift in how air superiority is achieved.
While traditional air forces relied on crewed aircraft, the introduction of UAVs has transformed battlefield dynamics. Ukraine’s innovative use of drones, such as the Turkish made Bayraktar TB2 and various first-person view (FPV) models, has effectively allowed it to counter a numerically superior Russian air force. This reliance on UAVs has enabled Ukraine to conduct reconnaissance, target enemy positions and boost morale by disseminating successful strike footage, demonstrating that control of the skies can now be contested through advanced technology and resourcefulness.
By the end of 2022, Ukraine had successfully repelled much of the Russian invasion force, a remarkable achievement attributed to its resourcefulness in leveraging UAV technology to overcome shortages in conventional munitions.
This transformation in aerial warfare has fundamentally and forever changed the definition of air superiority, setting a precedent for future conflicts — and emphasizing the importance of adaptability and innovation in modern military strategy.
At the start of the invasion, Ukraine possessed a small air force consisting of Soviet-vintage combat aircraft, of which only one-third were airworthy. It was hopelessly outmatched by the Russian Air Force, which fielded more modern systems and in vastly greater numbers. And yet, Russia failed to penetrate deep into Ukraine’s airspace, thanks to a robust air defense system based on the S-300. For similar reasons, Ukraine’s small fleet of Sukhoi SU-27s and MIG-29s didn’t dare launch raids into Russian-controlled territory.
This impasse led both sides to rely on drones for missions that would traditionally have been conducted with attack aircraft. Ukraine turned to the Bayraktar TB2 — an affordable turboprop UAV that had already seen battle in Iraq, Syria and Libya. During the initial counter-offensive, where it pushed Russia’s forces from the outskirts of Kyiv (and then from the entire North of the country), the Bayraktar TB2 engaged a variety of Russian targets, including armoured vehicles, surface-to-air missile installations and even two fuel trains.
They not only proved that the Bayraktar TB2 could fly where crewed aircraft couldn’t. But, more importantly, it relayed footage of its attacks back to the operator, which could then be disseminated online. In many respects, the Bayraktar TB2 wasn’t just a capable weapon platform it becames a valuable tool in the information war as well, helping raise Ukrainian morale as it faced impossible odds. The exploits of this UAV even inspired a song, which later achieved viral international notoriety.
As the war dragged into its second year, Ukraine’s pushback of Russian forces came to a stop, with the frontlines largely stabilized. This presented a challenge. Russian military doctrine emphasizes superior artillery firepower, as the Royal Services Institute noted. Ukraine was, once again, outgunned, with the country experiencing acute shortages of both Soviet-era shells, as well as those for Western-provided howitzers.
And so it again turned to UAVs to overcome its disadvantages. Ukraine sidelined the Bayraktar TB2 — which was increasingly vulnerable to Russian air defenses and electronic warfare — and instead pivoted to smaller, cheaper first-person view (FPV) drones. These included Western-made UAVs — like the American Switchblade 300 — and repurposed consumer drones, but most consisted of domestically-made aircraft built from ad-hoc workshops nationwide.
In 2024, the Ukrainian government committed $2 billion to the production of FPV drones, and according to Ukrainska Pravda, there are 200 suppliers across the country. Using easily accessible components and repurposed munitions, often taken from landmines and rocket-propelled grenades, these FPV drones have been used to devastating effect. As with the Bayraktar, Ukraine’s military routinely shares footage of successful FPV strikes, providing welcome morale boosts as the war dragged into its third year. Crucially, they have reduced Ukraine’s dependence on international military aid.
Russia also turned to drones, deploying the Iranian-designed HESA Shahed-136 to target Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, particularly its power generation and transmission facilities. Although considerably more expensive than Ukraine’s FPV drones, they can operate over long distances while still being cheap enough to deploy in large numbers.
Ukraine has responded to this threat with similar resourcefulness. Rather than use its limited air defense missile inventory, it has developed a sophisticated electronic warfare apparatus, which can disrupt the communication and navigation systems of the Shahed-136, even when deployed in large swarms.
This sophisticated counter-drone technology has demonstrated its value in evening once impossible odds, as demonstrated on Sunday, Jan. 5, when — under the cloak of an electronic warfare system — Ukraine launched another incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Unable to use its own FPV drones, Russia was caught off-guard, and it was forced to rely on traditional aviation and artillery assets to respond.
Ukraine has also chosen to protect its most critical infrastructure with kinetic defense systems, like the German-made Gepard. Although most Western militaries have retired the Gepard in favor of high-tech alternatives, based on the assumption that future air threats would come from high-altitude crewed aircraft, the Gepard’s radar-guided cannons have proven capable at engaging kamikaze drones at close range.
The Russian-Ukraine War is often described as the “first full-scale drone war.” For outsiders, it provides grizzly lessons about how UAVs can help a defender overcome insurmountable odds and how to adapt when conventional military aircraft aren’t available. Ukraine’s use of drones in an offensive capability and its experience in defending against Russian drone swarms has already changed the aerial warfare rulebook.
Just like WW1 — and the impact of early biplanes and tanks — changed the military rulebook, the same is happening in Ukraine. Kyiv’s resourcefulness in using UAVs offensively — and defending against hostile drones — will directly inform the drone/counter-drone defense strategy and procurement for years to come. But as the war drags into its third bloody year, we should never forget the human cost of these lessons.
-By Mary-Lou Smulders, Chief Marketing Officer at Dedrone
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Ukraine is to expand its use of Poseidon vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed air vehicles (UAVs), following a new approval by the nation’s defence ministry. On 22 January, Kyiv announced that it had “codified and adopted the domestically-produced Poseidon UAV system for deployment within the units of the defence forces”. Developed by Cyprus-based company […]
– EHang Holdings Limited has announced the launch of its Exhibition (Experience) Center in Shenzhen’s Luohu Sports and Leisure Park. It is the world’s first EH216-S takeoff and landing site featuring a fully automated vertical lift vertiport. It also marks a new smart infrastructure in Shenzhen dedicated to the commercial operations of the EH216-S pilotless […]
US aerospace firm Boom Supersonic’s experimental XB-1 aircraft has achieved a speed in excess of Mach 1 for the first time. The aircraft reached supersonic speeds of around M1.1 during a test flight on 28 January, flown by chief test pilot Tristan Brandenburg, and broadcast live by the company. It took off from Mojave Air […]
Russian defence manufacturer Kalashnikov Concern has announced it will showcase a 7.62mm RPL-7 belt-fed light machine gun and KUB-SM guided munitions reconnaissance and strike system at the IDEX 2025 international defence exhibition next month. The new systems will be shown in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from February 17 to 21. The expo features more […]
In the 2011 movie Captain America: The First Avenger, the eponymous hero battles the evil Nazi Red Scull onboard a sleek, menacing all-wing aircraft in the waning days of World War II. The future of freedom hangs in the balance as the sophisticated jet plane zooms toward New York City with a payload of super […]Looking for a way to turn pretty much any drone you already own into an FPV drone? One of the easiest and most affordable ways to do that might be with the DroneMask 2. Made by a Norwegian company called Immerse Optics, the second edition of its flagship product, the DroneMask 2, allows you to take your camera drone and turn it into an immersive flying experience.
Best of all, the DroneMask 2 costs less than $200.
Maybe you have a DJI drone and are interested in something like the DJI Goggles 3 but can’t stomach the $500 cost. Maybe you have a DJI alternative drone like the HOVERAir X1 PROMAX which currently has no official FPV option. Maybe you have a cheap Amazon toy drone. No matter which of those you are, the DroneMask 2 might be the product for you.
I had the chance to use the DroneMask 2 when flying with my DJI Mini 3. Here’s a review of what happened:
But first, some background on the company
Immerse Optics started having nothing to do with drones at all, but instead by making masks to create an immersive movie-watching experience from your phone. After receiving customer feedback and inspiration — including getting wind that drone pilots were ‘hacking’ their product into an FPV tool — the company pivoted to the drone sector.
In 2021, they introduced the DroneMask and have recently evolved by adding the DroneMask 2 into their lineup of products. With that comes a patented singular-lens technology, that’s implemented into a headset to provides users with 4x better resolution than conventional VR headsets that use a stereoscopic lens. It also offers greater comfort for the eyes and works with any mobile content without the need for third-party apps.
And for folks like me who have always been curious about the world of FPV (first-person view) drones but weren’t ready to commit to the price tag that comes with purchasing an FPV drone, then the DroneMask 2 is a great alternative and a much cheaper option. The product starts at $179.
Purchase the DroneMask 2 for $179:
The DroneMask 2 is compatible with any type of drone from any drone company — as long as that drone includes a controller that interfaces with a phone that displays the drone footage.
In my case, I used the RC-N1 with a DJI Mini 3 drone. That said, if you have a controller that has the screen already built in, like DJI RC, then unfortunately the DroneMask 2 will not work.
And here lies what’s likely the biggest downfall of the DroneMask 2. I would not recommend purchasing a controller that connects to your phone simply using the DroneMask 2, as it generally makes more financial sense to consider other options. For DJI users, that includes researching how to turn your DJI drone into an FPV drone using DJI’s products by purchasing DJI FPV goggles.
Lastly, you’ll need a smartphone — and that’s it. Everything else you’ll need is included in your DroneMask 2 kit. The DroneMask 2 comes with:
I live my life with 15% battery life on my iPhone and have a few times planned to head out with my drone for the day then remembered I had forgotten to charge the batteries. So, I was happy to learn that DroneMask 2 is not electronic, so no charging is required.
I headed out with my DJI Mini 3, my RC-N1 controller, and my DroneMask 2. The DroneMask 2 itself is quite bulky, so I had to change out my normal ‘drone backpack’ for a larger one.
Setting up the mask was quite simple. You connect your phone to the controller as normal, however, instead of mounting the phone on the top of the controller, you place it inside the DroneMask 2 (using the longer cord provided). Then just zip it right up.
The DroneMask 2 fits most phones, including, but not limited to, all models of iPhone, Samsung S6-8 edge, and the Samsung Galaxy S21.
The goggles are quite comfortable and spacious. I don’t wear glasses, but I tried the goggles on while wearing sunglasses and they fit just fine. No need to get prescription lenses or wear contacts.
The DroneMask 2 also has an adjustable side strap and one that goes over your head. These straps are quite thick and again, very comfortable.
Another thoughtful feature was the two holes at the bottom of the mask. These allow you to have access to your phone without bringing in any light. The holes are covered with a light-proof neoprene cover. This is an upgrade from the DroneMask to DroneMask 2.
Similar to your first few times flying a drone, I would highly recommend flying with the DroneMask 2 in an area with limited to no obstacles and people, especially if you have never flown an FPV drone. And since you’ll have the goggles on your face, bring a friend or co-pilot to serve as your visual observer.
For me, flying with the DroneMask took a little getting used to.
When flying, you can use gimbal mode or FPV mode (if your drone has these modes). I felt I was more comfortable in FPV mode. An adjustable focus length allows you to further perfect the viewing experience.
Visuals from the phone through the mask were incredibly high quality. A special lens on DroneMask 2 allows you to see the whole screen. That’s a sharp contrast from stereotypical VR goggles where the screen on the smartphone has to split down the middle when showing the drone footage – one screen on each eye.
The DroneMask 2 uses a different optical solution, which means that the screen doesn’t need to be split, provided you have a strong screen resolution and will work with any mobile app. This means that you can also use the DroneMask 2 for an immersive movie-watching experience through apps like YouTube and Netflix.
I flew my drone with the DroneMask 2 on a very sunny day in New Orleans and virtually no light came through the mask as I flew the drone. This was a huge improvement from the glare on the phone when using an RC-N1 controller. Although, the lens did fog up in the heat. Luckily, I did have the linen cloth with me.
Eventually, I became more comfortable flying with the DroneMask 2 and was amazed by the immersive experience it offered.
DroneMask’s FPV solution transforms any camera drone into an immersive first-person experience using a smartphone. If you are curious at all about the world of FPV flying, but an FPV drone or goggles are not in your budget, then consider the DroneMask 2.
Starting at $179, it’s a much cheaper alternative to its competitors. For example, the DJI Goggles 3 start at $499, making the DroneMask less than half the price. A true FPV drone is likely even more expensive (for example, the DJI Avata 2 with Goggles 2 and RC Motion 2 costs $1,299).
There are much cheaper alternatives in the world of VR headsets. For example, the Google Daydream View is $27. But the lenses on the DroneMask 2 offer a far superior viewing experience. Plus most VR headsets, including the Google ones, are not compatible with flying drones.
The DroneMask 2 is the most reasonably priced option for FPV drone flying on the market, making it ideal for someone who loves to fly their drone for fun and is looking for a new adventure when flying without having to buy an entirely new drone or expensive piece of equipment.
If you only fly drones on the go, the DroneMask 2 might not be the best option for you as it is quite bulky (but still fairly light-weight). Or if you are more serious about FPV drones or racing you may want to look into purchasing an FPV drone.
The DroneMask 2 allows you to have an immersive flying experience, without the hefty price tag of other competitors.
Purchase the DroneMask 2 for $179:
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New Partnership Supports Growing Demand for NDAA-Compliant Drone Solutions Santa Clara, California – January 30, 2025 – ACSL, Inc. has announced a partnership with Exertis Almo, a North American distributor, to increase the availability of its flagship SOTEN drone. The collaboration aims to expand ACSL’s reach and provide distribution, support, and training for a growing […]
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