drones

Drone Girl’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Posted by Dronerator

Whether you’re shopping for an experienced pilot or someone who’s never flown before, I’ve put together the ultimate gift guide for drone enthusiasts. From budget-friendly starters to premium FPV setups, here’s everything you need to know to nail your holiday shopping this year.

Drone gifts for the absolute beginner

The DJI Neo drone. (Photo by Sally French)

DJI Neo – $199

At just $199, the DJI Neo is my top pick for anyone getting started with drones (there’s also the DJI Neo 2, but it’s harder to get your hands on and it’s more expensive). It launches from the palm of your hand, shoots impressive 4K video and weighs only 135 grams (no FAA registration needed!). The fully-enclosed propellers make it safe for flying indoors or around kids. Perfect for content creators, vloggers or anyone who wants to capture unique selfie angles without the learning curve of a traditional controller.

Why I love it: It’s the most beginner-friendly drone on the market, and you can’t beat the price.

DJI Mini 4K – Buy on Amazon

For just $100 more than the Neo, the DJI Mini 4K delivers significantly more capability. You get proper 4K video at 30fps, a dedicated remote controller (included!), and 31 minutes of flight time—nearly double the Neo. It weighs under 250 grams, so recreational pilots still don’t need to register it. This is my recommendation if you want a “real” drone experience without breaking the bank.

Why I love it: Best value for the price, hands down. It’s what I recommend when people ask for the cheapest drone that still delivers quality results.

For the drone pilot ready to upgrade

Sally French, The Drone Girl, reviews the DJI Flip. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)

DJI Flip – $439

The DJI Flip is the drone that surprised me most this year. At $439, it delivers the same 48MP camera quality as the Mini 4 Pro (which costs $320 more!) but in a unique design with foldable, full-coverage propeller guards. It’s perfect for travelers, vloggers and content creators who prioritize portability and safety. The vertical shooting mode is clutch for Instagram Reels and TikTok.

Why I love it: Professional-level camera in a beginner-friendly package. The propeller guards mean I don’t stress about flying indoors or around people.

DJI Mini 3 – $419

If battery life matters more than anything else, the Mini 3 is your drone. You get up to 38 minutes of flight time (or 51 minutes with the Plus battery), plus a large 1/1.3-inch sensor that captures stunning 4K HDR video. The True Vertical Shooting feature makes it perfect for social media content. It’s recently dropped in price, making it one of the best values in the under-$500 category.

Why I love it: Longest flight time of any DJI drone under $500. When you need extra airtime for complex shots, this is the one.

HOVERAir X1 – $439

The HoverAir X1 stands out as the best non-DJI option in this price range. It’s ultra-compact (128g), launches from your palm, and has a unique party trick: it records audio through your phone. The fully-enclosed propellers and pre-programmed flight paths make it dead simple to use. While the 2.7K video isn’t as sharp as DJI’s offerings, it’s perfect for casual creators who value portability above all else.

Why I love it: Sometimes you want a DJI alternative, and this is the best one under $500.

For the FPV adventurer

Sally French, The Drone Girl, reviews the DJI Avata 2 wearing the DJI Goggles 3 and using the DJI RC Motion 3. (Photo by Sally French)

DJI Avata 2 – $999

The DJI Avata 2 is hands-down the best indoor drone and the most thrilling drone I’ve flown this year. With built-in propeller guards, you can zip through tight spaces without worrying about crashes. The included DJI Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3 controller deliver an immersive FPV experience that feels like you’re in the pilot’s seat. The upgraded 1/1.3-inch sensor shoots gorgeous 4K video, and 23 minutes of flight time gives you plenty of room to nail your shots.

Why I love it: It makes FPV flying accessible to everyone. You get that adrenaline rush without needing to build your own racing drone.

DroneMask 2 – $179

Want to turn your existing drone into an FPV experience without spending $500 on DJI Goggles? The DroneMask 2 is your answer. This clever headset works with your smartphone and almost any camera drone to give you that first-person view. At less than half the price of DJI Goggles 3, it’s perfect for anyone FPV-curious who wants to dip their toes in without committing to a full Avata setup.

Why I love it: Most affordable way to experience FPV flying with a drone you already own.

For cameras that aren’t actually drones

DJI Osmo Action 4 – Price varies

Every drone pilot needs a great action camera in addition to their drone. We are now onto the Osmo Action 6 — but my Osmo Action 4 is still holding strong and remains my go-to for ground-level action shots that complement aerial footage. It shoots 4K/120fps, handles extreme temperatures and the magnetic mounting system is genius. Plus, it plays nice with DJI drones in your workflow.

Why I love it: It’s the perfect companion to drone footage. The color science matches DJI drones, making editing a breeze.

Insta360 X5 Essentials Bundle – Buy on Amazon

Yes, I’m hawking a non-DJI camera right here! The Insta360 X5 takes 360-degree footage to a whole new level. Just look to the work we see from drone pilots like Eric Thurber that don’t rely just on drones.

Gifts that don’t take up any space

Drone Adventurer Masterclass

Enroll now – Use code SALLY50 for a discount

Whether you want to shoot real estate, weddings, or commercial work, this masterclass covers it all. The investment pays for itself after your first paid gig.

UAV Coach Courses

The gold standard for Part 107 test prep. If your gift recipient is serious about flying commercially, they need this training. UAV Coach consistently updates their material to match current FAA regulations.

Drone Dojo Subscription

Ongoing education is critical in this industry. Drone Dojo keeps pilots current on regulations, techniques, and industry trends with fresh content every month.

Masterclass Subscription

Beyond just drones, Masterclass offers incredible courses from the world’s best photographers, filmmakers, and storytellers. I’ve learned so much about composition and storytelling from famous experts in the field such as Jimmy Chin, the guy who made “Free Solo.”

Essential Accessories

Premium Drone Supplies Custom Landing Pad

A quality landing pad isn’t just about protecting your drone, it’s about looking professional. For hobbyists, maybe it’s just about having fun and creativie with your shoot. That’s where custom drone landing pads come into the picture.

I use Premium Drone Supplies because they offer custom options that let you add your logo (or hey, maybe your favorite picture.

Save $5 on your order from Premium Drone Supplies with code SALLYFRENCH.

Why I love it: Durable, folds down small, and the bright colors make it easy to spot in any terrain.

Spare batteries and propellers – Price varies

This is the 2025 holiday gift for the practical pilot. Extra batteries mean more flight time, and spare propellers mean your recipient won’t be grounded after their first crash (and trust me, there will be crashes). Make sure you match the battery to their specific drone model. Not sure what drone your loved one has? Just ask (because propellers and batteries can be incompatible with different drone models).

MicroSD Cards – Price varies

You can never have too many microSD cards. I recommend SanDisk Extreme cards as a budget pick — they’re fast enough for 4K video and reliable enough that I trust them with paid gigs. Get at least 128GB.

Pro tip: Label them!

Apple AirTags – $30

I lose a lot of things! With drones, there’s the elevated risk of theft. AirTags can offer some peace of mind that at least you’ll know where your stuff is at. I recommend tucking one in your drone case.

Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K Power Bank – $55

A portable battery pack is essential for all-day flying sessions. This Belkin model is my favorite—it charges fast, holds enough juice for multiple drone batteries and the compact size means it actually fits in my camera bag.

Fun and unique gifts for drone pilots

Santa Drone Ornament – $16

Every drone pilot needs a drone ornament on their tree. Better yet when it’s Santa flying a DJI Phantom lookalike. It’s the little touches that show you get their passion.

Personalized Puzzle – $10

Turn their favorite drone shot into a custom puzzle. It’s a thoughtful gift that celebrates their best aerial work.

TinyCircuits TinyTV 2 – $60

This tiny retro TV displays videos and photos from a microSD card. Load it up with their best drone footage, and they’ve got the world’s smallest highlight reel on their desk. It’s quirky, nostalgic, and actually useful.

National Geographic World From Above – $26.56 (41% off)

This stunning coffee table book is basically 200+ pages of aerial photography porn. Curated by National Geographic explorer Jeffrey Kerby, it showcases the world from above through the lenses of the world’s most innovative photographers—many of whom used drones to capture these shots.

What makes it special:

  • Over 200 full-color aerial images organized by color, shape, texture, and scale
  • In-depth interviews with photographers about how they captured their most impressive shots
  • Sidebars exploring the history of aerial perspective, from ancient earthworks to modern drones
  • Hardcover, oversized format (perfect for that coffee table or office)

Perfect for: Drone pilots who need inspiration, photographers who appreciate composition from unique angles, or anyone who loves stunning nature photography.

Aura Frames – $180

This is digital photo frame that ‘s honestly a great gift for anyone who loves vacation slides and family photos. It rotates through your curated list of photos. For drone pilots, it makes their best drone shots visible every day.

2025 holiday gift tips from a drone expert

Match the gift to the skill level. A $1,000 FPV drone is wasted on someone who’s never flown before, just like a toy drone will disappoint an experienced pilot.

When in doubt, go with accessories. Extra batteries, a landing pad, or training courses are always appreciated and never the wrong choice.

Check compatibility. DJI batteries and accessories are model-specific. Double-check you’re buying for the right drone before you wrap it.

Consider an experience. Sometimes the best gift is a drone photography workshop, a guided flying lesson, or even a day trip somewhere scenic to fly together.

Gift cards work. If you’re not sure what they need, a gift card to B&H Photo, Amazon, or directly from DJI means they can get exactly what they want.

Happy holidays, and happy flying! 🎄✈

— Sally French, The Drone Girl

Disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps support my work creating free content like this gift guide. I only recommend products I’ve personally tested and genuinely believe in. Thank you for supporting The Drone Girl!

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Chinese Researchers Sketch a 2,000-Drone Plan to Knock Starlink Offline

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China may have just found a way to take aim at Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite constellation: a massive swarm of special signal-jamming drones. Researchers at Zhejiang University and the Beijing Institute of Technology modelled how roughly 1,000 to 2,000 coordinated jammers could overwhelm the satellite network. Each drone would broadcast noise at varying power levels, […]

Athena Security Introduces AI X-Ray Drone Detection to Protect Critical U.S. Infrastructure

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New screening model identifies drone components before they reach secure areas Athena Security has launched a new AI-powered X-ray detection model designed to identify drone components before they can be assembled or brought into restricted areas. The system responds to a growing number of drone-related incidents around the world and aims to give operators of […]

The post Athena Security Introduces AI X-Ray Drone Detection to Protect Critical U.S. Infrastructure appeared first on DRONELIFE.

How a Small Nonprofit Uses Drones to Fight Animal Cruelty: Inside SHARK’s Mission

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Animal rights group uses drones to combat abusive situations By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill Because cock fighting is illegal in every U.S. state, the gamblers and promoters of this cruel sport most often resort to holding their events behind high fences or in remote rural areas far from the view of critical eyes. However, […]

The post How a Small Nonprofit Uses Drones to Fight Animal Cruelty: Inside SHARK’s Mission appeared first on DRONELIFE.

Rare 6K Drone Footage of “La Bonne Mère” Before Renovation (Inspire 2 + X7) – May 2021

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🇬🇧 Discover an exceptional aerial shot orbiting the famous “Bonne Mère” statue in Marseille.

Captured in ultra-high 6K resolution and ProRes RAW with our Inspire 2 and X7 camera, this footage — shot in May 2021 — reveals an incredible level of detail.

The 6K image quality allows zooming up to 250% while maintaining clarity, making it possible to observe the exact condition of the gold leaf four years before the full restoration of the Virgin and Child statue, which will be inaugurated on December 7th, 2025.

A unique visual archive documenting the evolution of a major Marseille landmark.

BE SURE TO SELECT THE HIGHEST QUALITY TO VIEW THE VIDEO IN 6K

🎥 Drone: Inspire 2

📸 Camera: X7 – 6K ProRes RAW

📍 Location: Marseille – Notre-Dame de la Garde

📅 Shot: May 2021

🔗 Find out more about the restoration work on Notre Dame de la Garde

 

🇫🇷  Découvrez un plan vidéo exceptionnel réalisé autour de la statue iconique de la Bonne Mère à Marseille.

Capté en très haute définition 6K et en ProRes RAW grâce à notre Inspire 2 équipé de la caméra X7, ce tournage de mai 2021 offre un niveau de détail rarement montré.

La résolution 6K permet un zoom jusqu’à 250% sans perte notable de qualité, révélant l’état précis de la dorure quatre ans avant la rénovation complète de la statue de la Vierge à l’Enfant, qui sera inaugurée le 7 décembre 2025.

Une archive visuelle unique, désormais précieuse pour mesurer l’évolution et la restauration de ce symbole marseillais.

PENSEZ À SÉLECTIONNER LA QUALITÉ MAXIMALE POUR VOIR LE CLIP EN 6K

🎥 Drone : Inspire 2

📸 Caméra : X7 – 6K ProRes RAW

📍 Lieu : Marseille – Notre-Dame de la Garde

📅 Tournage : Mai 2021

🔗 En savoir plus sur le chantier de rénovation de Notre Dame de la Garde

 

 

The post Rare 6K Drone Footage of “La Bonne Mère” Before Renovation (Inspire 2 + X7) – May 2021 appeared first on DRONESTAG.

Black Friday 2025: DJI Neo at $159 might be the deal of the decade

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I’ve been covering drone deals for over a decade. I’ve seen plenty of Black Fridays, Cyber Mondays, and suspiciously-timed “flash sales” that happen every other Tuesday. But the DJI Neo at $159? This might be the most absurd drone deal I’ve ever seen.

Let me put this in perspective: $159 is toy drone pricing. The kind of money people spend on those cheap Amazon quads that break after three flights. Except the Neo isn’t a toy—it’s a legitimate 4K camera drone from DJI that I actually recommend. This is the drone equivalent of finding a Tesla at Honda Civic prices.

If you’ve been on the fence about getting into drones, this is your moment. Not next month. Not “when I have more time to research.” Right now, today, while this deal lasts.

The 2025 Black Friday deal that’s breaking my brain: DJI Neo for $159

The DJI Neo drone. (Photo by Sally French)

Let me break down why this $159 price tag is genuinely shocking:

What you’re getting:

  • 4K video at 30fps (not 720p garbage—actual usable 4K)
  • 18 minutes of flight time
  • Palm launch and landing (no controller needed)
  • Fully-enclosed propellers (safe for indoor flying)
  • 135 grams (no FAA registration required)
  • AI tracking modes that actually work

What you’re NOT getting:

  • Flimsy toy-grade build quality
  • Terrible camera that makes everything look like it was filmed on a potato
  • Controls that require a PhD to figure out
  • A drone that’ll be in a landfill by January

This is a real drone with DJI’s legendary build quality and support. At $159, it’s priced below some toy knockoffs on Amazon. The math doesn’t math, but I’m not complaining.

Read my full DJI Neo review.

Who should buy this:

  • Literally anyone curious about drones
  • Parents looking for a gift that won’t be broken by Christmas dinner
  • Content creators who want aerial shots without learning to fly
  • Experienced pilots who want a grab-and-go drone
  • Anyone with $159 who likes good deals

But seriously—at this price, even if you only use it a handful of times, you’re getting your money’s worth. I’ve spent more on disappointing fancy restaurant meals.

Other great 2025 Black Friday deals to follow

DJI Mini 4K – $239 (was $299)

The DJI Mini 4K delivers true 4K video at 30fps, a dedicated remote controller, and 31 minutes of flight time. At under 250 grams, recreational pilots don’t need to register it with the FAA.

Why it’s worth it: For about $80 more than the Neo, you get nearly double the flight time and a proper controller. This is the sweet spot for beginners who want a traditional drone flying experience.

Sally French, The Drone Girl, reviews the DJI Flip. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)

DJI Flip – $349 (was $439)

The DJI Flip shocked me when it launched in January 2025. At $349 (normally $439), it offers the same 48MP camera quality as the Mini 4 Pro (which costs $410 more at regular price!) with a unique foldable design featuring full-coverage propeller guards.

Why it’s worth it: Professional-level camera in a beginner-friendly package. The vertical shooting mode is perfect for Instagram Reels and TikTok. At $90 off, this is the best value for a high-quality camera drone under $500.

DJI Mini 3 – $335 (was $419)

The Mini 3 offers the longest flight time of any DJI drone under $500—up to 38 minutes with the standard battery, or 51 minutes with the Plus version. The 1/1.3-inch sensor captures stunning 4K HDR video.

Why it’s worth it: If you need extended airtime for complex shots or multiple takes, this is your drone. At $335, it’s now cheaper than the Flip while offering longer battery life.

Purchase the DJI Mini 3 starting at just $335 (no controller) now from:

Beyond Drones: DJI’s Electric Mountain Bikes

DJI bike Avinox Drive System Amflow PL

Amflow Bikes – Up to $1,600 Off (Nov. 28 – Dec. 23)

Show Image

Wait, DJI makes bikes? Sort of. Amflow Bikes launched in the US this summer as the world’s first lightweight, full-powered electric mountain bike. The connection? They’re backed by the same parent company as DJI, and the engineering shows. These bikes bring the same obsessive attention to detail you see in DJI drones.

I haven’t personally tested these (yet—they’re on my list), but the specs are impressive: an unmatched combo of power, range and performance in a surprisingly sleek package.

Amflow PL Carbon (800Wh)

  • Sale price: $6,499
  • Regular price: $7,499
  • Savings: $1,000

Amflow PL Carbon Pro (800Wh)

  • Sale price: $8,599
  • Regular price: $10,199
  • Savings: $1,600

Available exclusively at: www.amflowbikes.com
Sale dates: November 28 – December 23

Who should consider this:

  • Mountain bikers looking to go electric without sacrificing performance
  • Drone pilots who appreciate DJI’s engineering philosophy
  • Anyone who wants to explore trails that were previously out of reach

Real talk: These aren’t impulse purchases like the $159 Neo. But if you’ve been considering an e-bike and have the budget, Black Friday through December 23 is your window.

Professional development dealls

MasterClass: Up to 50% Off (Nov. 20-26)

Jimmy Chin. Image courtesy of MasterClass.

MasterClass extended their Black Friday sale through November 28th. If you missed it earlier this week, you’ve got one more day.

For drone photographers and aerial filmmakers, these courses are worth your time:

Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography – Learn from the guy who filmed Free Solo while hanging off a cliff. His insights on composition, lighting and capturing adventure translate directly to aerial cinematography (yes, they used drones in the filming process).

Werner Herzog Teaches Filmmaking – Herzog’s unconventional approach to storytelling will challenge how you think about drone footage. This isn’t just technical instruction; it’s about creating work that matters.

Why it’s worth it: At 50% off, you’re getting world-class instruction from masters at the top of their craft. The storytelling principles apply directly to aerial cinematography.

UAVCoach: 50% off all online courses through Dec. 4

UAVCoach is running their biggest sale of the year with 50% discounts applied at checkout using code FLYDAY25. Note that in-person training isn’t included in this sale. And sorry, my usual promo code DRONEGIRL100 won’t work on this, but hey, use FLYDAY25 because it’s better! Seriously!

Here’s what you’ll pay:

Why it’s worth it: If you’ve been putting off getting Part 107 certified or want to sharpen your commercial drone skills, this is your window.

HOVERAir: Up to 30% off + free battery

HOVERAirX1 PRO (left) versus HOVERAirX1 PROMAX (right).
HOVERAirX1 PRO (left) versus HOVERAirX1 PROMAX (right).

HOVERAir is discounting their entire lineup with bonus free batteries on select purchases. These are solid options if you want something truly portable without registration headaches.

HOVERAir X1 – Starting at $249 The Freedom Fly More Combo weighs just 125 grams, making it exempt from FAA registration. It’s genuinely pocket-sized and dead simple to fly, though don’t expect professional-grade footage.

HOVERAir X1 PRO – Starting at $499 The PRO adds speed (up to 26 mph) and improved AI tracking. Better for outdoor action shots and sports, though still limited in wind.

HOVERAir X1 PROMAX – Starting at $599 This is where it gets interesting: 8K video, active collision detection, and intelligent follow modes, all while staying under 250g. The image quality is genuinely impressive for something this small.

Related read: HOVERAir X1 PROMAX packs an 8K video into a portable drone that competes with DJI

Skiing Combo – 20% Off + Free Extra Battery Designed specifically for winter sports with hands-free modes optimized for skiing and snowboarding. If you’re hitting the slopes this season, this package makes sense.

Related read: DJI Neo versus HOVERAir X1: which hand-launch drone is best?

Black Friday 2025 deals on other gear I love

Fitbit Inspire 3 If ya’ll know me, ya’ll know I am ADDICTED to getting my steps in (you may also know I am a competitive powerlifter and weightlifter, thus love my steps)! The Inspire 3 is the exact step tracker I use. Normally $100, it’s on sale today for $70.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle I hate when my water spills all over my backpack, but it’s even worse if I’ve got expensive tech gear inside. Owala is the only water bottle I’ll use (sorry, free drone conference swag…unless it’s Owala I don’t want it). It comes in all sorts of sizes, but the 24 ounce one hits the sweet spot between keeping you hydrated without taking up too much space. Normally $30, it’s on sale for $24.

My honest Black Friday 2025 advice after a decade of writing about drone deals

I’ve been writing about drone deals for over a decade, and I’ve learned a few things going into Black Friday 2025:

  • The best deals aren’t always the biggest discounts. A 20% discount on a drone you’ll actually use beats a 50% discount on one that’ll collect dust in your closet.
  • The Neo at $159 is genuinely special. I don’t say this lightly. This is the kind of deal that happens maybe once every few years. If you’ve been curious about drones, this is your entry point.
  • Don’t fall for FOMO. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean you need it. Ask yourself: Will I actually use this, or am I buying it because it’s cheap?
  • Bundle deals can be sneaky good. Sometimes the best Black Friday value isn’t the drone discount—it’s the “buy this drone and get $200 worth of accessories” bundle. Watch for those.
  • Check return policies. Black Friday purchases are often final sale. Make sure you know what you’re buying before you click that button.

Black Friday has become less “one day of deals” and more “three weeks of sales anxiety.” But every once in a while, you get a deal that’s genuinely worth the hype.

The DJI Neo at $159 is that deal. It’s the drone I recommend to every beginner. It’s the drone I throw in my bag for spontaneous shots. It’s the drone I’m confident recommending to parents, travelers, and anyone who’s ever said “I wish I could get aerial footage without spending a fortune.”

At $199, it was already a no-brainer. At $159? Just buy it. If you end up hating drones (unlikely), you’re out less than the cost of dinner and a movie. And if you love it? You just got into one of the most creative, rewarding hobbies out there for the price of a mid-range meal.

Happy Black Friday, and happy flying!

Disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps support my work creating free content. I only recommend products I’ve personally tested (except in rare cases where I disclose I haven’t personally tested it). I’ll only tell you about products I genuinely believe in.

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TEKEVER Gets $35M European Maritime Safety Agency Maritime Surveillance Contract

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– TEKEVER has signed with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) a new €30 million (USD 35M) framework contract for a two year period with possible extensions up to 4 years. TEKEVER will provide two complete systems, each comprising two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAS), to support simultaneous, multi-region deployments across European waters. At the core […]

US Army Project FlyTrap 4.5 in Germany Tests New C-UAS Technologies for NATO

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Leaders and Soldiers from the 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade and the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command brought together air defenders, Army procurement staff and commercial vendors specializing in counter-unmanned aerial systems technology for a unique military and civilian event at Truppenübungsplatz Putlos, Nov. 10-21, 2025. Called Project FlyTrap 4.5, this nearly two-week […]