Coverage
The latest drone news, features, industry trends, and regulatory updates from around the world.
AUVSI President and CEO Michael Robbins has been recognized by Politico as a key 'Power Player' in Washington's U.S.-China robotics competition, highlighting his role in shaping policy responses to strengthen America's position in unmanned systems and robotics.
Source: X @AUVSI
A firefighting helicopter battling a wildfire near Moab, Utah was forced to evade an unauthorized drone that entered the fire zone airspace. The incident comes just 17 months after a DJI Mini struck a Canadian water bomber during the Los Angeles Palisades fire, prompting renewed calls for drone operators to stay away from wildfires.
Source: DroneXL
Transport Canada published NPA 2026-005 on June 8, 2026, marking the largest drone regulatory overhaul since 2019. The proposal mandates Remote ID with both broadcast and network options, establishes Community-Based Organization exemptions with permanent flying sites, and introduces geo-awareness requirements for airspace below 122 meters, targeting full enforcement by 2030.
Source: DroneXL
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has announced consultations on domestically producing interceptor drones, exploring the possibility of acquiring technology and expertise from Ukraine to counter increasingly frequent airspace violations by unidentified drones.
Source: Instagram @drone_wars_
Nashville's Metro Police launched a Drone as First Responder pilot program with three Skydio drones over the Madison Precinct before obtaining formal city council approval. Council members and community organizers are challenging the legal exemption cited by police, raising concerns about procedural legitimacy and racial equity in the chosen test area.
Source: DroneXL
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted a new conditional exemption from its Covered List restrictions for the VEX AIR drone system, valid through December 2026, signaling a shift from blanket bans toward individualized product-level security assessments for drone systems.
Source: DroneLife
The U.S. is accelerating Counter-UAS system deployment ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a DRONELIFE exclusive, Andrew Giuliani called the effort a 'Herculean' feat, detailing how new counter-drone protocols are being established to protect major sporting events and critical infrastructure.
Source: DroneLife