Defense startup Shield AI has finalized a deal to raise $240 million from investors at a valuation of $5.3 billion — a funding round that adds billions to the company’s valuation, and underscores Silicon Valley investors’ interest in drones, autonomy and national security technology. The San Diego-based startup plans to use the cash infusion to […]
Russia will build a drone production facility in neighboring Belarus to “ensure security” for its key ally, Belarusian state media reported on March 6. Kremlin Deputy Chief of Staff Maxim Oreshkin proposed the project during a visit to Minsk, where Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko welcomed the idea. “It’s very important that Belarus has its own […]
EV maker BYD unveiled ‘Lingyuan,’ a vehicle-mounted drone launching system developed in collaboration with DJI that is available for all of the company’s vehicles, reports Chinese state media outlet Xinhua. The system is only available in China, like BYD’s vehicles, and costs 16,000 yuan (or about $2,197). BYD’s video below, reposted by YouTube channel ShanghaiEye, […]
Latvia strengthens its defense capabilities with high-speed interceptor drone development Latvia has awarded a research and development (R&D) contract to Origin Robotics, a defense technology startup, for the development of a high-speed interceptor drone. The initiative is part of the country’s broader strategy to build a multi-layered counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) and enhance national security […]
The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has selected Pierce Aerospace’s B1 Remote ID Beacon for inclusion in the Blue UAS Framework. The selection marks a significant step in the verification process for National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliance and cybersecurity, paving the way for the B1’s Authority to Operate (ATO) under the […]
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight is widely recognized as a key enabler for the commercial drone industry. With the ability to fly drones over long distances without direct human oversight, BVLOS operations unlock new possibilities for industries such as delivery, infrastructure inspection, and defense. However, one of the biggest challenges to BVLOS adoption […]
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The drone community mourns the loss of Romeo Durscher, a visionary whose kindness and passion left an indelible mark on the industry. Born on March 2, 1975, Romeo passed away on March 3, 2025.His journey was one of inspiration, innovation and unwavering support for those around him.
A personal reflection on Romeo’s legacy
I first met Romeo during his tenure at DJI, where he served as DJI’s Director of Education. From our initial encounter, it was evident that he was not just an advocate for drone technology but also a champion for education, equality and joy in every endeavor. In an industry predominantly led by men, Romeo’s approach was refreshingly inclusive. He treated me as an equal, never questioning my knowledge or passion. His belief in my abilities helped me overcome the imposter syndrome I often felt in those early days of my own drone career.
One of my fondest memories with Romeo was when he met me at Treasure Island to give me an exclusive preview of DJI’s Phantom 4, equipped with obstacle avoidance technology. He knew how excited I would be and ensured I experienced it firsthand. His genuine enthusiasm was contagious, making every interaction both educational and enjoyable.
He was a world traveler, but it was always a joy to get to meet up with him in San Francisco. Here’s us at the Drones Data X Conference at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts:
In the summer of 2024, Romeo learned that his lungs and liver had developed metastasized tumors from an unknown primary source. Despite the diagnosis, he approached this chapter with the same grace and positivity that defined his life.
In his own words:
“I suppose we all have wondered how we would react and what we would do if ever confronted with this sort of challenge. I’m hoping that by sharing my own journey I can help others understand and appreciate how important it is to live passionately and freely for the moment. Indeed, now so many of even the smallest of incidents and minor pleasures throughout my life come back to me as welcome memories and warm reminders of all the wonderful lives that have intersected with my own.”
Romeo’s professional journey was as remarkable as his personal one. Before joining DJI, he contributed to NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) at Stanford University, where he played a pivotal role in heliophysics missions. His transition to DJI marked a significant shift, where he built the Public Safety vertical in the drone industry, demonstrating the immense potential of UAVs in disaster response and humanitarian missions.
In 2021, Romeo joined Auterion as the Vice President of Public Safety, further advocating for open-source platforms and standardization in the drone industry. His efforts were instrumental in proving the return on investment for drone deployments within public safety sectors.
He did it all. He ws a published author, aerial photographer, science educator and global keynote speaker. Oh, and amazing human.
Throughout his career, Romeo received numerous, well-deserved accolades, including multiple awards and recognitions from NASA, United Nations, INTERPOL, DRONERESPONDERS and FLYMOTION.
Before his death, he reflecting on his life’s journey.
“I’ve been blessed with so many friends who have cherished me and helped me attain so many goals,” he wrote. “I believe and hope I can convince you that pursuing your dreams should be a constant motivation throughout your life. That pursuit—and the experiences you have and people you meet in the process—will give you great gifts that are more precious than any material gains.”
A final farewell
Romeo Durscher’s impact on the drone industry and the countless individuals he inspired will continue to resonate. His legacy serves as a reminder of the profound difference one person can make through passion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. As we bid farewell to a dear friend and mentor, we carry forward the lessons he imparted and the warmth he shared with all who had the privilege to know him.
Under the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI), EDA has established the “Autonomous Systems for Cross-Domain Logistics (Air and Land)” programme and selected Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER-100 for the heavy-lift Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Air System category. The large-scale initiative, hosted by the Italian Army, will focus on collaborative experimentation of UAS and Unmanned Ground […]
Defense startup Shield AI has finalized a deal to raise $240 million from investors at a valuation of $5.3 billion — a funding round that adds billions to the company’s valuation, and underscores Silicon Valley investors’ interest in drones, autonomy and national security technology. The San Diego-based startup plans to use the cash infusion to […]
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