• 500k+ hours of Ukraine war drone footage to be used for AI training
• Real-world data provides deeper context and higher quality than synthetic data
• Ukraine officials believe in a "war of operating systems" where training data matters

Virginia-based AI firm Enabled Intelligence says it's added more than 500,000 hours of Ukraine war drone footage to its EView platform to help train models.

The real-world data is hoped to provide better-quality training to the computer vision and video analysis models, instead of having to rely on synthetic data, in a bid to improve the efficacy of AI-powered drones in modern warfare.

"It’s footage from one of the most complex and dynamic conflicts in modern history," CEO Peter Kant explained (via DefenseScoop), noting that the training data hasn't come from a simulated or controlled environment.

Ukraine war drone footage used to train AI drones

Kant explained that footage will help train models across "aerial object detection, vehicle classification and ground activity," and that it's pre-labeled, validated and ready for training use. It gives the models more experience handling changing conditions like weather, smoke, dust, damaged infrastructure and other dynamic environments.

Artificial intelligence has broadly changed how militaries benchmark weapons, because it's no longer about who has the best drone. Dataset quality is an even bigger differentiator when it comes to autonomous warfare.

As for the Ukraine war's role in the training dataset, it marks one of the most drone-intensive wars to date with thousands of drones operating daily and generating huge amounts of real-world data.

The evolution also highlights an emerging competitive advantage for certain countries – those involved in conflict early on in AI's timeline can generate enormous amounts of real operational data before enemies, putting them one pace ahead.

"The system ⁠that possesses more data and better understands that data, proposes solutions — that system will gain the advantage over the other," head of Ukraine's defense ministry's AI center Danylo Tsvok told Reuters, referring to a future where we could see a "war of operating systems."

Protecting critical infrastructure has long been a question of securing access from the ground – the assumption was that if you could control who entered a site, you could control most of the threats it faced.

But recent conflicts have proven that highly sensitive sites now face threats from three dimensions spanning both physical and digital.

One of the biggest threats is the rapid rise of commercially available drones – cheap and accessible devices that can easily bypass the traditional checkpoints historically employed at these secure sites.

Newer drones are playing an increasing role in warfare, now that they’re able to fly farther, stay airborne longer and carry sophisticated payloads.

World governments are getting ready to tackle these changing risks and the rules are becoming ever more stringent. China, for example, recently tightened controls on drone ownership. Other governments have imposed more identification requirements, geofencing measures and new operational categories.

Futureproofing infrastructure against drone strikes

But I worry that regulation alone might not solve the problem, and many of the same questions we’ve been asking about telecoms equipment now apply to the drone industry. Who built the technology, where does the data go, who can access it…?

As we move from basic camera-equipped consumer drones to fully autonomous commercial fleets spanning critical infrastructure, logistics, emergency response and more, I think more needs to be done to secure both sensitive physical locations and the data that these drones now possess.

To better understand how governments, operators and infrastructure owners should prepare for this shifting landscape, I turned to MyDefence UK Director Liam Hutcheson, who shares his thoughts on regulation, security and infrastructure protection.

• China has recently moved towards more restrictions on drone usage and ownership. Given the dual use of the technology, does the move surprise you and do you think others will follow the example of China and roll out more strict drone control?

Not entirely. China's move reflects a tension every drone-mature nation is grappling with: the same technology enabling precision agriculture and emergency response can equally be used for surveillance, smuggling or targeted disruption. Longer endurance, better cameras and swarm coordination only intensify that challenge.

What it signals is that governments are becoming less comfortable leaving drone activity largely unregulated. We are already seeing the same direction in Europe and the US with Remote ID mandates, geofencing requirements, granular operational categories. The UK reinforced its class-marking regime for 2026.

Whether others match China's specific restrictions will depend on their security posture, economic reliance on the sector and enforcement appetite. But the broader trend is consistent: tighter oversight, stronger identity requirements, more defined exclusion zones.

From our perspective, regulation is necessary but only half the answer. Rules work when operators comply. COTS drones can easily be, and are being, modified to circumvent restrictions on usage and ownership, undermining even well-designed frameworks. Remote ID is a good example: meaningful, but only if receiver infrastructure exists to read it. Without detection capability running alongside the regulatory framework, you get rules that look credible on paper but cannot be enforced in practice.

• The US rolled out a blanket ban on Chinese drones (and non-US routers). Before that they targeted ZTE, Huawei and a slew of Chinese tech manufacturers citing security reasons. Can (and should) drones and by extension unmanned vehicles and in the near future robots be vetted to ensure that systems meant to protect the nation are not double-agents?

Yes and the pattern with ZTE, Huawei and now DJI tells us something important. The concern goes beyond the device itself to what it is connected to and who can reach it. A drone is not just a flying camera. It records location, footage, flight history and operator identity. All of that data has to go somewhere, and knowing where is not always straightforward.

That risk does not stop at drones. Autonomous ground vehicles, logistics robots, inspection platforms - anything networked in a sensitive environment poses the same question.

The supply chain adds further complexity. A system assembled in one country may still depend on software, components or cloud infrastructure originating elsewhere.

Vetting at the point of purchase is not enough. These systems can be updated after deployment, which means their behaviour can change. What is needed is persistent visibility into what is actually happening around a facility; detecting unexpected signals, unauthorised transmissions or activity that does not match what a system is supposed to be doing. That is exactly the kind of awareness that RF-based detection provides, and it applies equally to hostile third-party drones and to your own fleet.

• How far are we from the day one human operator will be able to safely manage fleets of autonomous drones for civilian or defense purposes? What are the bottlenecks that need to be removed in order for this to materialise?

A single operator can already manage small fleets for infrastructure inspection and logistics, and that capability is maturing quickly. The gap is widest in urban or contested airspace where conditions change fast and the cost of error is high.

From our perspective, the missing foundation is airspace awareness. The same detection infrastructure that protects a site from hostile drones is what gives a fleet operator the picture they need to operate safely. Those two requirements are not separate problems. Sites that build airspace awareness in from the start will be the ones where one-to-many operation becomes viable first, for security and for operations alike.

• Data centres are rapidly becoming a target of choice, as we've seen in the Iran conflict a few months ago. From your vantage point, what does a fully secured airport or power station or data centre look like in 2030? Is that even possible given the near endless vectors enemies can use?

A fully secured critical site in 2030 does not look like a single technology. It looks like a layered system with a clear chain of detection, assessment and response. For drone threats that means persistent airspace monitoring through radio frequency detection, radar, acoustic and optical sensors working together, feeding a common operating picture that security teams can act on in real time.

At an airport or power station you would expect geofenced enforcement zones, direct alert integration into control room systems and pre-authorised response protocols. Equally important is what happens after an incident. Evidence collection, chain of custody and the ability to reconstruct exactly what occurred when a drone appeared. This information must include what the drone did and how the site responded. Regulators and prosecutors need a clear evidential record, and that has to be built into the system architecture, not added as an afterthought.

What the recent Iran conflict and incidents like Gatwick show is that the gap between a capable adversary and an unprepared defender is still dangerously wide. The sites investing in detection infrastructure now are the ones that will be credibly protected by 2030.

• What are the main concerns when you port military anti-drone capabilities to a civilian setup? What are the challenges of deploying 'active mitigation' (like jamming or intercepting) in densely populated or commercially active environments?

Military counter-drone systems are built for environments where neutralising the threat is the primary objective. Civilian environments have a different set of constraints entirely: spectrum co-existence and the risk of disrupting legitimate activity nearby.

A further challenge is the lack of a clear line of responsibility and the absence of a common, centralised overview of airspace activity. Questions of jurisdiction become particularly complex in a non-military context. That said, detection in a civilian setting can actually be more reliable and effective: denser infrastructure, fixed sensor placement and the ability to correlate multiple data sources mean that understanding what is happening in your airspace is often more achievable than in a battlefield environment.

Take jamming as an example. In a civilian context, jamming will disrupt emergency services communications, aviation systems or medical equipment within range. A jammer does not distinguish between the drone it is targeting and everything else sharing that spectrum.

The answer is not to rule out active mitigation, it is to build the framework that makes it usable responsibly. High-risk sites should have access to proportionate responses, but only within a clear and accountable structure. That starts with operators being able to show they understood what was happening in their airspace before they acted; what they saw, how they read the situation and why they responded the way they did. Without that foundation, the argument for stronger powers will not land with regulators or in court. You have to be able to see and evidence what is happening before you can justify doing anything about it.

• Stockton has approved a $3.15 investment in Flock drones
• The drones will act as airborne first responders
• Residents have raised privacy and surveillance concerns

Surveillance and privacy are huge concerns for individuals across the world right now, and municipal leaders in the California city of Stockton are the latest to attract criticism for a controversial drone expansion program that's ostensibly being undertaken in the interests of public safety.

As reported by Stocktonia, the city council recently gave the thumbs up to a $3.15 million investment in drones manufactured by Flock, on top of the automatic license readers the company already supplies. These drones can act as airborne first responders, giving police eyes on a 911 call situation in as little as 30 seconds.

The sales pitch is that officers will be better informed when they arrive, and that some incidents could be handled remotely. "It'll really enhance what we already have, in that we get quick deployments, real time updates for officers on scene," said Police Lt. David Padula when the deal was approved.

However, while city leaders all liked the drone program, there has been massive public opposition against it. Issues around privacy, immigration enforcement, and mass surveillance have been raised by residents — not just in regards to how the drones are used, but how the data they collect is stored and shared.

These drones aren't widely used in the US, but there are active programs in some cities in states, including Texas, Indiana, and Connecticut. The license plate readers are far more widespread, with more than 100,000 now in use.

Data collection and privacy

"It sends the wrong message," said local activist group The Stockton Community Check-In Booth in a statement after the council decision. "While our residents continue to struggle under the financial impacts of this administration and economy, Stockton continues to invest in militarization and surveillance."

"Private organizations can control your data from those Flock cameras, and because they're privately owned, you can't even use freedom of information to find out what they have about you," said Stockton Republican congressional candidate John McBride, calling the use of the drones "a total invasion of privacy".

According to Flock, local agencies remain in control of the data. It states that it doesn't work with ICE, and that federal agencies are blocked from discovering or requesting data held by Stockton. Drone flights are logged on a public-facing dashboard, and Stockton police will own 100% of the data they collect.

However, Flock has run into trouble elsewhere: It has previously been found to be sharing access with US Customs and Border Protection in Colorado and Illinois, though it says these practices have now been stopped. In Texas, police used a Flock camera network to track the movements of a woman who had an abortion.

In other areas, authorities haven't been so welcoming to Flock and its systems. In Mountain View, California, a Flock network of cameras was recently scrapped over concerns about unauthorized access.

• Potensic's new Atom 3 replaces the Atom 2 beginner drone
• It adds a bigger sensor, higher 4K frame rates, better battery life, and more
• The Fly More Bundle includes an upgraded controller with a 5.5-inch display

You don't need me to tell you that DJI dominates the consumer drone space, despite its current difficulties entering the US market with a current ban on all foreign-made drones. But there's a viable beginner drone alternative, and that's Potensic.

Sadly for US consumers, Potensic also faces the same barriers to entry as DJI, given that the drone manufacturer is also Chinese. But for the rest of us, the shiny new Atom 3 looks like an excellent value option.

It upgrades the already excellent Atom 2 in several key ways, with a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor, 4K video recording at up to 60 fps with a Log color profile, 50 MP photos in JPEG and RAW, 7x slow motion in Full HD, plus a host of improved flight features.

Battery life has seen a boost, now up to 40 minutes on a single charge, as has transmission range, which now extends to 16km, not that I'd ever expect to fly that far away!

And the usual Fly More Combo, which includes three batteries and a charging hub, also comes with an upgraded controller that has a brighter 5.5-inch Full HD display than Potensic's previous offering, rated at 900 nits.

Potensic has upped its drone's tracking capabilities with AI Tracking 2.0, which can now operate down to a low altitude of 4 meters and recognize and follow hiking and vehicles.

Naturally, there are a range of flight moves too, one of which includes Waypoint (that's a pre-planned flight path that the drone follows).

All of these features point to the Atom 3 being a solid alternative to the new DJI Lito X1 — even if that drone also includes omnidirectional object avoidance — especially with its competitive pricing. The Atom 3 standard kit (with no controller) costs $429.99 / £319.99, while the bundle with the new 'RC PTD 2' controller costs $549.99 / £429.99 at Amazon and the Potensic store with pre-orders now live — I'll update this page with Australia pricing when that info is available.

In the US? No dice

US pricing for the Atom 3 is positive news for US consumers, but we don't actually know if or when the Atom 3 will land in the US. After all, the drone ban in the US doesn't just apply to DJI, but to all foreign-made drones, including those by Potensic.

Potensic is another drone manufacturer based in China, and so it faces the same barrier to entry as DJI. So for now, the Atom 3 looks like another feature-packed and affordable drone for aerial photography that drone fans in the US could miss out on.

For the rest of us, the Atom 3 is easily the best drone by Potensic yet, with a feature set that rivals the Mini 4 Pro / Lito X1, minus object avoidance. I will share my in-depth Atom 3 review once I've had more time with it.

Are you a drone user based in the US? What do you make of the drone ban currently? Make sure you vote in our poll, above.

• Ukraine wants to flood future battlefields with millions of combat drones annually
• Kyiv says its drone factories could dwarf Russian and Chinese military production
• Ukrainian drones are now reaching military and energy targets deep inside Russia

Ukraine’s defense ministry has laid out a startling industrial vision which could reshape global military manufacturing.

Deputy Defense Minister Mstislav Banik recently told NATO lawmakers that his country could produce 20 million military drones each year if allied nations commit sufficient resources to Ukrainian production lines.

This figure already exceeds the current combined output from China and Russia, yet Kyiv’s ambitions stretch even further.

Kyiv seeks massive expansion of military drone production

Some Ukrainian officials have hinted that annual manufacturing could surpass 30 million units within just a few years, a scale that would outpace every other nation on earth.

Independent military analysts estimate that Ukraine built roughly 4 million unmanned aircraft and naval drones during 2025.

The industry appears on track to expand that number to 5 or 6 million units in 2026, representing a 50% year-over-year growth rate.

For comparison, Chinese drone output is typically estimated at around 2 million annually, though the vast majority of those are civilian beginner drones rather than military systems.

Russian industry, now locked into a war that has lasted 12 years, likely produces between 1.2 and 1.8 million drones per year according to Ukrainian intelligence assessments.

Banik argued before the NATO Parliamentary Assembly that Ukraine’s drone fleet has proven decisive to battlefield success against Russian forces.

He called on international partners to strengthen support for Ukrainian manufacturing and to assist with acquiring other weapons listed on the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List.

According to the deputy minister, Ukraine has already achieved a technological advantage over Russia in drone systems and several other critical sectors.

To maintain this edge, Kyiv is requesting military support and direct investment totalling $60 billion in 2026.

Practical returns for partner nations

Ukraine claims to offer a tangible return for allied investment rather than simply requesting charitable assistance.

The country pledges to test new weapons in real combat conditions and share all technological advances and operational data with partner states.

More than 50 nations currently support Ukraine bilaterally, with Germany leading contributions at an estimated $5.8 billion in 2026, followed by Norway at roughly $2.8 billion and the UK at about $1.9 billion.

The European Union has also approved a support scheme providing up to $104 billion in loans to Ukraine.

Since early 2026, Ukraine has stepped up a strike campaign using long-range drones primarily targeting Russian energy infrastructure.

These attacks also aim at advanced weapons supply chain nodes and logistic routes connecting occupied Crimea to Russian territory.

Ukrainian drones have struck targets more than 2,000 km inside Russia, including an oil terminal fire in St. Petersburg and a guided missile frigate in drydock at the nearby Kronshtadt naval base.

Additional strike packages reportedly hit an arms manufacturing facility in the central city of Tambov and a Russian-operated military air base in occupied Crimea.

Despite these strikes, the gap between Ukraine’s stated ambitions and current verified production remains substantial.

No country has ever sustained drone manufacturing at the scale Kyiv now proposes, and supply chains for components like guidance chips and optical sensors could become severe bottlenecks.

Whether allied nations will be willing to supply $60 billion in 2026 is far from certain, and the strike successes against Russia may not be enough to convince allied nations.

Via Kyiv Post

• Volcanic minerals may allow ordinary drones to evade advanced radar detection systems
• Spray-on stealth coatings could eliminate expensive composite panels from military drone manufacturing
• Radar networks become less effective when drones return with dramatically weaker electronic signatures

A small Turkish defense research company claims it developed a spray-applied radar-absorbing coating capable of reducing drone visibility against modern detection systems.

The project, led by Turkish researcher Yunus İnce, centers around a material called Kürşat 3.0, developed during a seven-year engineering effort.

According to technical details, the coating applies directly onto aircraft surfaces instead of relying upon expensive composite stealth panels or complex structural modifications.

Volcanic materials may change how low-cost drones avoid radar detection

Kürşat 3.0 uses basalt and pumice, both volcanic rocks, as its core ingredients rather than exotic synthetic compounds.

Recent testing reportedly produced an attenuation of 43.2 decibels (dB), a dramatic reduction in the strength of a radar signal reflected to the receiver.

In practical terms, this means the radar echo from the coated drone is approximately 20,000 to 40,000 times weaker than that from an uncoated object of the same size and shape.

An attenuation figure of 43.2 decibels would place this material in genuinely competitive territory if confirmed independently.

Academic literature typically reports effective broadband radar absorption in the range of 20 to 30 decibels under standardized conditions.

Pushing substantially beyond that threshold while maintaining the simplicity of a spray application would represent a meaningful advance over commercially available products.

With 43.2dB, a drone that should be visible at several kilometers with a strong, trackable return signature would either disappear entirely from the radar screen or appear only at such close range that the defending system has virtually no time to react.

In military terms, this shrinks the detection and engagement envelope from a comfortable buffer zone down to a frantic last-second warning.

Radar stealth conventionally requires either carefully shaped airframes or expensive composite panels bonded by specialists.

This material works differently by exploiting the microscopic pore structures found in basalt and pumice.

Those natural cavities trap incoming electromagnetic waves and convert them into heat instead of reflecting energy toward the radar receiver.

The underlying scientific principle has attracted academic attention for over a decade, making the approach plausible rather than fanciful.

A sprayable formula eliminates the seams and coverage gaps that plague traditional composite panel installations on complex curved surfaces.

Why do we need drones with very low detection?

The war in Ukraine has shown that drones costing a few thousand dollars can destroy armored vehicles and disrupt supply lines at scale.

Defenders have responded by expanding radar networks and electronic warfare systems specifically designed to find and kill those drones.

Reducing a drone's radar signature complicates every stage of that detection chain, and doing so with a coating that adds negligible weight would make stealth accessible to operators using commercial hardware.

Turkey's defense industry has already proved with the Bayraktar TB2 that affordable unmanned systems can reshape battlefields before Western analysts fully appreciate the shift.

However, at the time of writing, no independent testing verified this technology, and the relevant radar frequency bands for operational use remain unspecified.

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and a single attenuation figure from unpublished testing does not yet meet that standard.

The volcanic materials themselves are inexpensive and abundant, which is scientifically reasonable.

But laboratory measurements rarely survive translation to field conditions with vibration, weather, and real-world radar frequency variations.

Until independent verification appears across operationally relevant bands, Kürşat 3.0 remains an intriguing research outcome rather than a military breakthrough.

Via Defence Blog

The Iran war has driven up fuel and freight costs, exposed vulnerabilities in critical supply chains, and forced investors to rethink which technologies matter most in a more volatile world.

Two themes stand out: low-cost autonomous defense systems and energy technologies that reduce exposure to fossil-fuel shocks.

Evolution of drones

The war in Ukraine has already shown what that first trend looks like in practice. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, one of Ukraine’s main defenses against the larger and better-resourced Russian army were Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones, which reportedly cost several million dollars.

Now, a few years later, Ukraine increasingly relies on domestically produced and locally assembled drones. For example, Vyriy, a Ukrainian drone manufacturer, says that it has localized production of frames, controllers, and radio control systems, while other components, like cameras, are provided by local companies.

Some of the company’s first-person-view drones reportedly cost as little as $500.

Another Ukrainian company, Wild Hornets, recently said a Ukrainian operator used its Sting interceptor system to shoot down two Russian drones located 500 km away, highlighting the increasing capabilities of low-cost defense systems.

Beyond the ability to test and improve drones in real-world conditions, the main reason companies can make drones cheaper and more effective is the ability to produce them at scale.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence announced plans to manufacture around 7 million drones this year alone, after producing more than 4 million in 2025. According to the ministry, currently, there are more than 200 Ukrainian companies involved in producing AI-powered drones.

Technological capabilities also play a significant role in making them widespread and effective. AI systems are being used on the front lines for target detection, obstacle avoidance, and battlefield data analysis.

Benefits beyond military

The Iran war was another reminder that warfare is changing, showing how cheap systems can make a difference. Iranian drones and missiles have targeted or threatened regional energy infrastructure, while the US, for the first time, used low-cost one-way attack drones modeled after Iranian designs.

Even before the war, investors had already ramped up investments in defense. Last year, venture capital investments in defense startups, including those that include dual-use technologies used by civilians, grew to $49.1 billion from $27.2 billion a year earlier, according to PitchBook calculations.

PitchBook also claims that autonomous systems were among the most funded startups, while counter-unmanned aerial systems and autonomous manufacturing are rapidly emerging as priorities.

I expect the Iran war also to drive even more investments in defense, particularly in drones and anti-drone systems. Oil-rich Middle Eastern countries are already looking for ways to defend themselves against Iranian threats, which will likely spur further investment.

Advances in military technology, together with falling production costs, could accelerate the development of civilian drone applications in package delivery, agriculture, aerial surveying and public-safety operations.

This can mean medicine arriving faster in remote areas, small household items delivered in minutes, and lower delivery costs. Recently, Barclays estimated that autonomous delivery costs could fall from $5–$7 per order to $1 in the long term, Reuters reported.

Energy security

Another area where the war is going to have a significant footprint is energy security. Rising oil prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a route that normally carries about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows, prompted the International Energy Agency (IEA) to call it the biggest energy crisis in history.

The head of IEA has warned that some European airlines have only six weeks of fuel left.

Even if the Iran war ends soon, it would be naive to expect such oil shocks to never happen again. This is another major energy shock within four years. The last one, which followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, accelerated the push into renewables, grid infrastructure, storage, and electrification, especially in Europe.

We are likely to see a similar pattern now, and the more negatively the war affects the economy, the stronger the incentive to reduce oil exposure becomes. This should accelerate the adoption of transport powered by alternative fuels, as well as the expansion of the infrastructure needed to support it.

Advances in technology can also help reduce dependency on oil. AI tools can help forecast electricity demand, making grids more efficient and reducing unnecessary fossil-fuel backup. It can improve the integration of solar and wind by predicting generation patterns more accurately.

AI can also optimize battery storage, deciding when to store power and when to release it to the grid. And in buildings, AI can help manage heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation in real time, cutting energy waste.

For investors, that makes the takeaway from Iran much broader than a short-term spike in oil. It is a reminder that resilience is becoming a core investment theme.

In a world of cheap drones and expensive energy insecurity, the winners are likely to be the companies that can make protection cheaper and energy systems less exposed to geopolitical shocks.

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• The FCC has extended its waiver on software updates for DJI drones
• The latest extension ends on January 1, 2029
• You can also have your say on the DJI ban

The US Federal Communications Commission’s ban on new DJI drones and its other technology has been a frustrating one for camera enthusiasts and professionals alike — as they’re set to miss out on 25 launches this year alone — but we finally have a silver lining, even if it is a small one.

Your older DJI drones should stay reliable for a little while longer.

That’s because the FCC has announced that it’s extending the waiver for certain drones to receive software updates in the US. Previously, it was set to expire on January 1, 2027, but now it will last until at least January 1, 2029 — foreign internet routers have also had their software access extended until this date (via Tom’s Hardware).

In terms of hardware access, nothing has changed, but it means that manufacturers shouldn't get blocked from releasing essential security or bug fix patches to already sold tech (at least not until 2029). Previously, this was a fear once the waiver ran out, and could have left some tech unable to function if it encountered a glitch, or turn your drone into the sort of security risk that the FCC’s ban is meant to avoid.

Meanwhile, DJI is attempting to appeal the FCC’s ruling in US courts. The ban came about when DJI was put on the 'Covered List' — a list of entities thought to be a threat to national security — though neither the FCC nor the US government has explained exactly what DJI has done to deserve this designation.

At the same time, these entities refused to perform a security audit of DJI, despite the company submitting to one.

The whole process has been a frustrating one to watch play out — especially given the excellent quality of DJI’s camera and drone tech. Hopefully, this waiver extension will help alleviate some issues, but we’ll have to wait and see how the DJI appeal goes for a more definitive verdict on the drone brand’s US fate.

Have your say

If you’re frustrated with the DJI ban, the FCC is currently giving the public a chance to submit comments on its measures — though the form closes today (May 11), so you don’t have much time left.

As highlighted on the r/drones subreddit, you just need to go to the FCC’s Submit an Express Comment page and fill in the short form; in the first box, type "26-22" to find the DJI ruling where you'll want to comment.

You will need to provide some personal information (such as your name and address), and then provide your comment on the ban. You can highlight how DJI drones have positively impacted your life, and/or you could question the confusing implementation of the ban — how it affects all of DJI’s tech rather than just its drones, or how the ban doesn’t seem to be applied fairly to other similar drone makers.

Equally, if you think the ban has had a positive impact (though we here at TechRadar wouldn’t agree), you can also leave a comment explaining why you hope the ban stays in place.

Just remember to keep your comments civil, the FCC likely won’t appreciate being bombarded with rude or hateful comments — and harsher words wouldn’t help either side’s arguments in this technology debate.

Want a glimpse of the world's best aerial photography? DJI and SkyPixel's annual photo and video contest is the place to go, and this year's winners have just been announced after the early contenders were teased a couple of months ago.

The stunning winning photos and videos of the 11th edition of the contest were selected from over 95,000 entries and 96 countries and regions — and drone pilot Filip Hrebenda scooped the grand prize in the contest's $200,000 pot with his aerial image The Gate (see below).

Contest judge Zhu Jiong described the scene as "straight out of a fairyland — layered mountains wrapped in mist.

"The image feels calm on the outside, yet somehow breathtaking."

Four judges praised the grand prize winner, saying: "The location and conditions feel rare, especially with the fog and elevation, making the scene stand out."

Judge Daniel Kordan goes on to say: "I must admit I haven't seen such a composition before, so it is a unique and fresh shot."

The remote aerial scene was taken in Buskerud, Norway, with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro — a pro triple camera drone which we gave a five-star rating, and which has since been updated with the Mavic 4 Pro. We rank the Pro series as the best camera drones for consumers.

Details on the SkyPixel contest's site suggest Hrebenda used the main 24mm camera with variable aperture, which utilizes a micro four thirds sensor – that's bigger than those used in DJI's sub-250g drones.

Hrebenda had this to say about his winning image:

"Captured in the far north of Norway during the autumn of 2025, this photograph was taken in a remote and extremely difficult-to-reach location. At sunrise, the landscape was covered by dense fog that filled the valleys and concealed the dramatic terrain.

"After a demanding ascent, we finally rose above the cloud layer, revealing this surreal and almost otherworldly view. The natural stone arch, resembling a monumental gate carved by time, stands suspended above a deep valley, surrounded by rugged cliffs and distant mountain silhouettes emerging from the sea of mist. The lone figure on the rock emphasizes the scale and raw beauty of the landscape.

"To capture this composition, finding the perfect perspective was essential. This was made possible with the help of a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone, which allowed me to position the camera precisely and reveal the full geometry of this extraordinary natural formation."

All the winning images can be seen at the SkyPixel site and also include the early front-runner Carpet Fields, which ended up being a finalist and was captured with the older Mavic 2 Pro.

It's truly amazing the standard of photography that camera drone pilots are creating with what is relatively affordable gear.

• Drone deliveries are becoming more ambitious
• A new South Korean trial delivered fried chicken to a remote island
• It's one of 80 test runs over the past month

Delivery drone programs are getting smarter and more ambitious: a trial scheme in South Korea has successfully delivered an order of fried chicken to a customer on the remote Biyang Island, via both a drone and an autonomous four-wheel robot.

The delivery drone traveled over three kilometers (1.86 miles) of ocean to reach its destination and transfer its delicious cargo, The Korea Times reports. There's no indication of how the takeaway meal actually tasted, but the "local resident" involved didn't lodge any complaints.

This is part of an extensive test by the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), backed by the government in South Korea. Around 80 such deliveries have been completed in the past month.

And Biyang Island is a particularly suitable challenge for this autonomous delivery technology. Not only is the location remote, it also features narrow alleys winding through the volcanic island, which traditional delivery vehicles would struggle with.

Ready to replace existing logistics

While commercial drones typically carry payloads of around three kilograms in weight, the flying machines tested here can hold up to 40 kilograms, which means a lot of items can be packed together in a single delivery and sent off.

"It is rare to repeatedly test high-payload deliveries under such varied conditions," said KASA, as per the report in The Korea Times. "This technology is reaching a level where it can replace everyday logistics operations."

There's still plenty of work to do, however: commercial services won't be ready for another five years, as the technology is developed further, and concerns over privacy and safety are worked out with regulators.

Even if it's not ready for the masses yet, it's an exciting glimpse into the future of drone-robot deliveries, with the tech advancing rapidly — and it's those in the most remote, difficult-to-reach locations that are set to benefit the most.

• Ukraine scales remote interceptor drones capable of destroying aerial targets from distant protected locations
• Operators control aerial interceptors from bunkers thousands of kilometers away instead of front lines
• Demonstrations prove long-distance drone interception works across more than 1,240 miles

Ukraine has become the first country to scale remotely operated interceptor drones capable of destroying aerial targets over vast distances, opening the door to air combat carried out far from the battlefield itself.

Operators can now guide interceptor drones from secure bunkers hundreds or even thousands of kilometers away, allowing aerial targets to be destroyed without pilots or launch crews exposed to direct danger.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the capability is already working in combat conditions, with confirmed interceptions taking place across long distances.

Government-backed Brave1 platform

"A year ago, through Brave1, we initiated the development and testing of remote control technology for interceptor drones. Today, we have a confirmed result — shooting down targets at distances of hundreds and thousands of kilometers," Fedorov wrote on social media.

Brave1 is a government-backed platform created to speed up development of new defense technologies through coordination between engineers and manufacturers.

Fedorov added that Ukraine is the first country to scale the remote control of interceptor drones at a systematic level, describing the effort as the creation of a new standard in air defense.

"The pilot is no longer tied to a position. The drone is in the sky — control comes from a protected environment in Kyiv, Lviv, or even abroad," he wrote.

Those changes mean interceptor operators no longer need to sit close to launch positions, allowing operations to be controlled from protected locations far from the battlefield.

"This increases interception efficiency, minimizes risks for operators, and allows capabilities to scale without being tied to the front," Fedorov wrote.

He also said that more than 10 defense manufacturers have already integrated the remote-control capability into their interceptor systems.

One recent demonstration pushed the concept into long-distance territory when Ukrainian drone manufacturer Wild Hornets flew its Sting interceptor drone across roughly 1,240 miles, or about 2,000 kilometers, while the operator remained based in northern Ukraine, according to reporting from The Kyiv Independent.

That flight relied on the company’s Hornet Vision Ctrl system to maintain continuous control across the entire route, with the system now being deployed across interceptor platforms, the news site reported.

Traditional interception missions placed pilots or crews directly into contested airspace, forcing aircraft and personnel into positions where reaction time and survival depended on seconds.

Remote interceptor systems replace those risks with long-distance command links and hardened shelters, allowing aerial engagements to take place without crews entering the sky at all.

If production continues expanding across manufacturers, interception missions could increasingly move toward remote operation rather than cockpit-based combat, reducing the number of personnel exposed during aerial defense.

• Sandook software coordinates many SSDs to avoid slowdowns from garbage collection
• Two-tier control system reroutes workloads across pooled drives in real time
• Performance gains approach theoretical limits but depend on large clustered storage environments

Researchers at MIT and Tufts University have built a storage management system called Sandook that pushes pooled SSDs closer to their theoretical limits. The project, targets a long-standing issue inside large storage clusters where identical drives rarely perform in identical ways.

Solid-state drives slow down for a number of reasons, including internal garbage collection cycles and the slower nature of write operations compared with reads. Those slowdowns can ripple across workloads when multiple applications share the same storage pool.

Rather than leaving each SSD to handle performance issues on its own, the system splits control duties across two coordinated layers that manage activity across the full drive pool.

Unleashing the potential of data center SSDs

As Blocks & Files reports, a central controller collects performance telemetry from each large SSD and revises scheduling choices about 5x per second.

Local agents inside storage servers pass along performance signals and congestion warnings as workloads change.

When a drive begins housekeeping duties such as garbage collection, the system lowers its priority and transfers traffic to healthier drives in the pool. That rerouting happens without requiring changes to applications accessing the storage.

The method builds on techniques already used in enterprise storage, including block replication for reads and log-structured writes that can land on any available device.

Trials included database processing, neural network training, large-scale image compression, and latency-critical storage services, and the system reportedly delivered between 30 and 82 percent higher raw input and output throughput compared with earlier approaches that targeted single bottlenecks.

Across pooled workloads, application performance gains ranged from 12 to 94 percent, with latency reductions reaching up to 88 percent. In some cases, storage throughput reached roughly 1.7x previous levels.

The gains come entirely from software, which means commodity off-the-shelf SSDs remain unchanged. CPU and memory overhead for monitoring dozens of drives per server was described as being minimal.

The research paper, titled “Unleashing The Potential of Datacenter SSDs by Taming Performance Variability,” is available to view here.

Despite the headline numbers, this isn’t something most consumers could run at home. The design depends on large groups of SSDs working together, along with Linux-based infrastructure and enterprise networking setups common in data centers.

That pooling effect is where most of the performance improvement comes from. Without spare drives to shift workloads onto, a single-drive system would see little benefit.

Blocks & Files notes the work will be discussed at the USENIX NSDI 2026 event in May, where the researchers plan to show how coordinated scheduling helps solve unpredictable SSD behavior across large clusters.

• LOCUST laser tested aboard USS George H.W. Bush during live drone engagement
• Palletized system deployed without permanent ship modification during demonstration
• Newer Locust versions introduce AI-assisted tracking and higher power output

Drone warfare has expanded rapidly in recent years, with large numbers of low-cost systems used across conflicts such as Ukraine and in operations linked to Iran.

Defending against repeated drone attacks has exposed the limits of traditional interceptors, leading the US military (and others) to explore laser weapons that can fire repeatedly without running out of ammunition.

AeroVironment says it has successfully demonstrated its LOCUST laser weapon system aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush during a live-fire exercise carried out with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.

Intended to counter smaller drones

The palletized LOCUST Laser Weapon System was deployed onto the carrier and tracked, engaged, and neutralized multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, showing that the system could operate from a moving carrier environment.

The high-energy laser is mounted in a turret that can be rolled onto different platforms. This design allows the system to operate from either its own battery bank or draw power directly from a ship, reducing the need for permanent installation work.

“LOCUST delivers effective, all-domain protection against emerging drone threats at the speed of light — on any platform, in any domain, for any mission,” said John Garrity, Vice President of Directed Energy Systems at AV.

“Rolling LOCUST onto a ship and quickly initiating operations facilitates the expanded use of high-energy lasers across the Fleet without the need for costly, time-consuming ship modifications. This is a game-changer for the Navy and for our national security.”

AeroVironment said the system demonstrated target tracking and beam control while operating aboard the carrier, and the same core system architecture is shared across multiple military services, so the technology can be used on land-based vehicles as well as ships.

The War Zone says this appears to be the first time a laser weapon of this type has been installed on a U.S. aircraft carrier, and that systems like LOCUST typically operate in the roughly 20kW power range. This places them in the category of weapons intended primarily to counter smaller drones.

TWZ also points out that lasers still face practical limits in operational settings. Beam effectiveness decreases over distance, and weather conditions such as dust, smoke, or moisture can reduce performance before the beam reaches its target.

Defense Express notes that AeroVironment has continued developing newer versions of the system, including an updated model known as Locust X3.

This version supports power levels between 20kW and 35kW and includes AI-assisted detection and tracking tools.

Defense Express also reports that shooting down one drone using Locust X3 laser system only costs five dollars, without the need for reloading, making it useful over extended periods.

• China and Ukraine are testing new robotic capabilities
• Robots are being deployed to the frontlines of the war with Russia
• Protests in China could soon be policed using squads of robots and drones

Robots can’t surrender, don’t suffer issues with morale, and won’t refuse an order. That’s why militaries and law enforcement see them as the future.

Ukraine has already employed robots in multiple roles across its armed forces - from seaborne and airborne drones, to CASEVAC and logistics vehicles - and now wants to deploy 25,000 more in frontline positions.

China is also flirting with the idea of kitting out its armed police and riot units with squads entirely made of robots, controlled by a central AI, with remote human input only to prevent the bots from being too heavy handed.

Ukraine to deploy 25,000 ground robots

In order to supplement its existing capabilities, the Ukraine Ministry of Defense has announced that it will seek to deploy an additional 25,000 robots in the first half of 2026. “Our goal — 100% of frontline logistics should be performed by robotic systems,” said Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Since the Russian invasion, Ukraine’s industry for robots and drones has exploded with over 280 companies now actively producing systems and solutions to help the war effort.

Ukraine has already claimed to have taken a trench system using a team made entirely of robots, in what could be a first of its kind engagement. There are also novel deployments of drones and robots with mounted weapons, including machine guns and rocket launchers.

The government is also setting up a center to help the Armed Forces, General Staff, and robotics manufacturers cooperate, ensuring smooth manufacturing and deployment.

China testing riot robots

The People’s Armed Police Force (PAP) theorized a scenario where it a protest is quelled in an urban environment using a riot squad made entirely of robots.

The squad, made up of reconnaissance drones, armored vehicles, and robot dogs would isolate and detain instigators, removing the protest’s organizational backbone. The rest of the protest, cut off from the internet and lacking leadership, would then disperse on its own.

Aerial drones would use pattern recognition to identify agitators, before ‘kettling’ the protest with robotic barriers. Arrests are then made, using nets and tasers to neutralize threats.

The system would require very little human input, instead using AI as its center of command. Arrests would remain a human decision, albeit a remote one.

The scenario, set in “New City”, bears a striking resemblance to Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, which China has claimed to be an inalienable part of the mainland since the Kuomintang-led Republic of China government lost the Chinese civil war and fled to the island nation.

• Record-setting RC car reached 234.7mph in February using drone-powered drivetrain
• Project 250 redesign focuses on narrowing chassis and increasing electrical power
• Engineer aims to exceed current world record with upgraded motors and higher voltage

Stephen Wallis, a part-time motorcycle engineer from Rugby, UK, set a Guinness World Record in February 2026 when his remote control car reached 234.7mph, and he is already working on a redesigned machine built to push beyond 250mph.

The record-setting vehicle, known as The Beast, measures 3ft 2in long, about 1m, and took more than a year to design and build using 3D-printed components and high-powered drone motors.

Four motors are bolted directly to the wheels, which connect straight to the chassis to reduce mechanical losses and keep the drivetrain simple at very high speeds.

A slightly ridiculous goal: 250mph

Wallis said his interest in radio-controlled cars stems from his childhood. "It goes back to when I was eight years old and got my first radio controlled car," Wallis told the BBC.

The final recorded speed of The Beast placed the small vehicle ahead of the top speed of a production McLaren F1, offering a useful comparison with a well-known performance benchmark.

Reaching 240mph had been a private goal during the original project, although his attention has now shifted to an even more demanding target.

In a recent video update, Wallis explained how he is rebuilding the car to chase higher speeds and break his own record.

“Today, I'm going to show you exactly how I'm evolving my RC car to beat my Guinness World Record of 234.7 mph and chase a slightly ridiculous goal: 250,” he said.

The new build, known as Project 250, keeps the general layout of The Beast while introducing several mechanical and electrical upgrades.

Reducing overall width is a key change, as narrower bodywork cuts drag and helps maintain stability at higher speeds.

Larger 5215 motors are also being introduced to deliver more torque and manage heat more effectively under heavy loads. Battery capacity is increasing as well, with an additional two-cell unit raising the system to a 20-cell, 84V setup.

“I've got ideas: make it narrower, fit bigger motors, and run more voltage. Now, I need to turn those ideas into a real design,” he said.

Changes to wheel mounting and steering components were required to achieve the narrower layout, including revised adapters that place the wheel closer to the motor face.

Weight balance is another challenge, as shifting batteries and electronics can change how the car behaves at extreme speeds.

“I need to design a car capable of 250 mph and build it in time for the next speedrun season, which starts in 8 weeks,” he said.

Prototype parts have already been produced using 3D printing to confirm fit and layout and the final components will be manufactured from aluminum and carbon fiber.

• Autonomous cargo aircraft completed 120km mountain delivery in just 37 minutes
• Hybrid air and rail transport enabled fresh tea delivery within 24 hours
• CarryAll drone carries up to 400kg with 200km operational range

Chinese-founded aerospace company AutoFlight has carried out a 2-ton-class eVTOL transport trial moving fresh spring tea across mountainous terrain in Guizhou province.

The test used its CarryAll (V2000CG), an unmanned electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, to move freshly harvested tea between the cities of Anshun and Guiyang, roughly 120km apart.

That flight crossed rugged mountain terrain in 37 minutes, a trip that typically takes far longer by road due to winding routes and elevation changes common in the region.

Maximum payload of 400kg

Once the aircraft delivered the tea to Guiyang, the shipment continued by high-speed rail to Shanghai, covering close to 2,000km in total distance.

The combined use of aircraft and rail allowed the tea to reach consumers within 24 hours of harvesting, offering a different way to move time-sensitive agricultural products from remote regions.

Unlike conventional cargo aircraft, the CarryAll operates without an onboard pilot, relying on autonomous flight systems to handle navigation and route execution.

The aircraft supports a maximum payload of 400kg and has a range of up to 200km, with a cruise speed of about 180km/h, making it suited to medium-distance cargo routes where roads are slow or unreliable.

Vertical takeoff and landing capability removes the need for runways, allowing operations from compact pads near farms or logistics hubs, which could simplify deployment in mountainous or isolated areas.

AutoFlight said the CarryAll (V2000CG) holds Type, Production, and Airworthiness Certificates from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, making it one of the earliest large cargo eVTOL platforms to reach that stage of regulatory approval.

“This innovative ‘autonomous eVTOL air transfer + high-speed rail trunk line’ model breaks logistics bottlenecks in high-altitude mountainous areas. AutoFlight will join hands with more partners to extend this efficient, green autonomous cargo model to more specialty agricultural producing areas," said Li Yun, CCO of AutoFlight.

"This will help more high-quality local agricultural products reach national markets quickly, driving regional industrial upgrading and rural revitalization.”

AutoFlight's cargo aircraft have previously flown missions involving offshore platforms, intercity freight, and emergency fire-fighting support, showing how the technology is being tested beyond controlled demonstrations.

The company is also working on a six-seat passenger version, identified as the V2000EM Prosperity, which is undergoing airworthiness certification under Chinese aviation authorities.

• A Starlink outage meant 24 unmanned vessels were left bobbing in the water for almost an hour, according to a report
• Reuters claims previous incidents with flaky network connectivity highlight concerns with Starlink and controlling drones
• However, an autonomous warfare expert observed: "You accept those vulnerabilities because of the benefits you get from the ubiquity [Starlink] provides."

Tests of US Navy drone vessels have seemingly exposed weaknesses in terms of the reliance on Starlink for network connectivity with these unmanned craft.

Reuters reports that in testing that took place in August of last year, some 24 of these drone vessels – which resemble speedboats without seats – were left floating listlessly in the water off the California coast for the best part of an hour, due to a global outage that hit the Starlink broadband network.

This worrying incident, and others where flaky network connectivity had proved problematic for US operations with drones, were highlighted by an anonymous source, and in internal documents from the Navy which Reuters gained access to.

An intermittent network connection had proved problematic in tests in the weeks running up to the outage in August. Further to that, we're told that in April 2025, Navy tests involving these unmanned boats (and also airborne drones) were disrupted as Starlink "struggled to provide a solid network connection" given the high bandwidth needed due to the number of craft involved.

Reuters observed that the Navy report stated: "Starlink reliance exposed limitations under multiple-vehicle load." (Starlink wasn't the sole point of failure here, though, as there were other issues with the radios used, and a network system provided by Viasat).

The Pentagon wouldn't be drawn to respond to questions on the drone tests, and the US Navy and SpaceX declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

Analysis: spacing out

Clearly, this is a concerning report, and it raises questions as to whether the US military should be looking at alternatives to using Starlink for controlling drones (or indeed for missile tracking). The trouble is – what are those alternatives? Nothing on the scale of what Elon Musk's SpaceX can offer, of course.

Starlink is, as Reuters points out, a cheap and commercially available service, one bristling with an array of some 10,000 low-earth orbit satellites. The report quotes Clayton Swope, a deputy director of the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who said: "If there was no Starlink, the US ​government wouldn't have access to a global constellation of low earth orbit communications."

Regarding the network flakiness observed, Bryan Clark, an autonomous warfare expert at the Hudson Institute, added: "You ​accept those vulnerabilities because of the benefits you get from the ubiquity it [Starlink] provides."

The online arguments then run along the lines of: well, the US government should be building its own satellite system. Of course, that's a lot easier said than done, and not just from a financial perspective, because SpaceX has a key logistical advantage in terms of its capabilities to get satellites launched into orbit in a timely manner.

Just look at Amazon, which is currently engaged in building its Starlink rival, Leo. This satellite internet service was supposed to be available at the end of 2025, but it won't be until mid-2026 now (it's not yet clear if that means consumers or not, either).

As Engadget recently reported, Amazon was aiming to have 1,600 satellites in orbit by July 2026, and now it expects that Leo will comprise less than half that — around 700 — by that time. Currently, it has 241 satellites operational, a drop in a drone-filled ocean compared to Starlink – and of course it remains to be seen if that downwardly-revised 700 target for the middle of 2026 is hit.

You get the point, then, about the limited options here. Although that doesn't mean the US government couldn't investigate other ways forward in terms of much longer-term planning, mind, because clearly these kinds of systems must be robust and reliable when it comes to using them outside of testing.

• Texas drone show retells the story of Jesus using 10,000 synchronized aerial units
• Event earns four Guinness World Records including largest QR code formation
• Global drone displays continue growing in scale with creative record attempts

One of the largest drone light shows staged in the United States has broken four Guinness World Records while retelling the life of Jesus Christ in the Texas night sky.

The production combined religious storytelling with large-scale aerial visuals, pushing drone choreography to numbers rarely attempted at public events.

The Easter event was staged by Aerial Illuminations Drone Light Shows and was recognized for creating the world’s largest QR code, logo, word and flying LED screen formed entirely by drones.

From birth to resurrection

The drone show took place in Manvel, Texas, across nine nights, beginning with 5,000 drones and building to a peak of 10,000 units.

Scenes followed the life of Jesus from his birth through to the resurrection, with drones forming figures and symbols tied to key moments.

AV Magazine reports the images included Jesus with his disciples, the word Jesus spelled out in the sky, Christ riding a horse, sitting on a large throne, and a crucifixion scene presented on Good Friday.

Organizers spent more than two months preparing the show, coordinating flight paths, animation timing and safety systems across a team of more than 100 crew members.

Large formations required careful synchronization so thousands of drones could act as a single animated surface without collisions or loss of signal.

Large-scale drone displays have been growing in scale over recent years, with several attempts to push numbers higher or introduce new visual concepts.

In May 2025, more than 10,000 drones flew in Ho Chi Minh City to mark the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.

China pushed the numbers even higher in November when nearly 16,000 drones formed a synchronized display in Liuyang, a city often called the fireworks capital of the world.

While not as impressive numbers-wise, in December 2025, 2,800 drones formed a playable version of Tetris in the skies of Dubai, and earlier this year, Apple used 3,000 drones to create a roughly 500-foot Godzilla figure above Hollywood to promote Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season two.

• FAA approves laser weapons for anti-drone operations in US airspace
• High-energy weapons "do not present an increased risk"
• Approval follows multiple airspace closures due to unapproved weapons firing

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the use of drone-killing high-energy lasers in US airspace, according to the New York Times.

The decision came on Friday after a two-month deliberation on the potential dangers the weapons could cause to aircraft in airspace protected by lasers.

Despite airspace closures to shoot down balloons and a friendly-fire incident involving a Customs and Border Protection drone, FAA testing has “determined that these systems do not present an increased risk to the flying public.”

Anti-drone laser weapons approved for US airspace

The FAA approval doesn’t note any determinations on if the weapons posed zero risk to aircraft, but instead stated that if the weapons did happen to come into contact with an aircraft, the damage would be minimal - which is hardly reassuring.

Additionally, pilots flying within airspaces protected by laser weapons will be issued an advisory by the FAA.

The FAA has had several moments of conflict with the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security after high-energy lasers were used without FAA approval, leading to two airspace shutdowns over El Paso and Fort Hancock in Texas.

The first incident, on February 10 2026, saw Customs and Border Protection shoot down a metallic balloon using a high-energy laser weapon on loan from the Pentagon. The FAA immediately put into place an airspace closure up to 18,000 feet over El Paso for 10 days, but the restrictions were lifted just a few hours later under pressure from the White House. A senior aide to President Donald Trump labelled the incident as an FAA “f**k-up”.

Then, on February 26, a second incident saw high-energy laser weapons fired at a “seemingly threatening” drone flying within the vicinity of the US-Mexico border, which resulted in the FAA having to close the airspace around Fort Hancock. The drone was successfully brought down, but was later found to have been flown by the Customs and Border Protection.

Both incidents brought to light a lack of concern for the regulations surrounding the new laser deployments. The Pentagon is required by federal law to coordinate with the Transportation Department and the FAA before using new anti-drone technology.

Following the agreement between the FAA and the Defense Department, US Army Brigadier General Matt Ross said, “By working hand-in-hand with the FAA and our interagency partners, the Department of War is proving that these cutting-edge capabilities are safe, effective, and ready to protect all air travelers from illicit drone use in the national airspace.”

Sensing that the FAA may have been pressured into approving the technology for use, Democrat Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, who is one of the heads on the committee that oversees aviation, has requested that both the Pentagon and FFA present a briefing on how the agreement was made.

• DJI teases its 'flagship' Avata 360 drone
• It will shoot 8K 360 degree video
• Launch is set for March 26 at 5am PT / 8am ET / 12pm GMT / 10pm AEST

After months of rumors and speculation, the DJI Avata 360 is official, after DJI shared the clearest teaser of them all — revealing the drone's name, core specs, and launch date.

The Avata 360 is set to be DJI's first-ever 360-degree drone, equipped with 8K video recording. It'll take on the excellent Antigravity A1, which was the world's first true 360-degree drone.

'Above It All, See It All' says the trailer, confirming the 'flagship' Avata 360's upcoming unveil on March 26 at 5am PT / 8am ET / 12pm GMT / 10pm AEST, which is a little over two weeks to go as I type these words.

There's little else to go on from the teaser. Still, I'm excited about the Avata 360, especially after all the recent rumors. For example, I've seen leaked pictures and even a mysterious DJI teaser last week that contained aerial footage, including the tiny planet effect made with a 360-degree camera.

Why the Avata 360 excites me

I've personally tested the Antigravity A1, which is the only true 360-degree consumer drone. It's an excellent first 8K drone from the Insta360-incubated start up, that is further improving with firmware updates. However, it's about to be joined by the Avata 360.

DJI's Avata 360 has a leg up in that it settles into an already formidable DJI drone ecosystem, with established accessories including motion controllers, goggles, and batteries.

And rather than being a 360 drone first and foremost, it looks more versatile, like one of DJI's FPV drones from the Avata line, which also shoots 360-degree video (see some clips below, which we can only assume are shot with the Avata 360).

That's if previous leaks are anything to go by. One such rumor suggests that one trick up the Avata 360's sleeve will be a single lens mode, meaning the gimbal-mounted camera unit can rotate from a 360 degree mode — that's twin lenses with one pointing directly up and the other directly down for complete coverage — to a single lens mode with the camera pointing straight forward, much like in the Avata 2.

I would also expect the Avata 360's list price to sit a little lower than the Antigravity A1's, because DJI is typically aggressive with its pricing. And there could be good news for DJI fans in the US. Rumors suggest the Avata 360 could be a DJI product that was registered before the December 2025 cut-off for FCC approval, meaning it could hit stores in the US. Many will hope that's the case, and we'll find out soon enough on March 26.

• DJI officially teases a new drone launch, coming soon
• Based on the teaser video, it's likely to be the rumored DJI Avata 360
• A Pro version of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 has leaked too

DJI has confirmed that another drone launch is imminent, and based on the video it's included in the launch teaser, it looks very much like it'll be the rumored DJI Avata 360 — while the leaks around DJI's next vlogging camera have taken another twist.

The drone teaser comes straight from the @DJIGlobal account on X, which means we're hopeful of a global launch for the upcoming drone. Despite new DJI products now being banned in the US, it's possible that DJI was able to get regulatory approval before the ban came into force in December.

And given the shots in the teaser video — including a classic 'tiny planet' shot — it's almost certain that this is a drone with 360-degree imaging skills, most likely the rumored DJI Avata 360, though it's not mentioned by name.

The 360-degree drone has leaked extensively over the last few weeks, and is rumored to be coming with a single-lens mode too, that should help it stand out from its main rival, the Antigravity A1.

Only a few days ago, Notebookcheck reported on hands-on footage of the DJI Avata 360 appearing online, so it seems a launch is now very close. DJI hasn't given us a date or a time, but we should get an official reveal any day now.

The Pocket goes Pro

In the meantime, there are yet more leaks around the DJI Osmo Pocket vlogging camera. Veteran tipster Igor Bogdanov has posted some new shots purportedly showing off the device — and they give us our first look at a potential Pro model.

Most previous leaks around this camera have shown off a device very much like the current DJI Osmo Pocket 3 in terms of its design, albeit with a couple of extra console buttons. However, this new Pro leak shows the addition of an extra camera on top, together with a protective hood.

While there had been talk of a dual-camera setup in earlier rumors, the most recent leaks just mentioned one standard model. It would seem that when this next generation of DJI's pocket vlogging camera does break cover, there'll be two models to choose between — with the Pro edition no doubt coming with a higher price tag.

Like the DJI Avata 360, it's plausible that the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 was registered just in time to avoid being banned in the US. As soon as DJI makes either of these products official, we will of course let you know.

• DJI has filed a petition with the US Supreme Court
• It claims the recent FCC ban on its products is unlawful
• New DJI products can no longer be launched in the US

A ban on new DJI products in the US kicked in last December, but the issue isn't closed yet: DJI has taken its case to the US Supreme Court, arguing that government authorities haven't actually found any evidence of security issues.

The ban came into force almost by default – not through any new discoveries about DJI, but because a security audit of the Chinese company wasn't carried out in advance of a December 23 deadline imposed by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Without getting fresh security clearance, DJI was automatically shunted to the FCC's Covered Entity List, a record of companies believed to pose "an unacceptable risk" to national security (it's the same list that Huawei is on). That course of events is unconstitutional and unlawful, DJI argues.

"Despite repeated efforts to engage with the government, DJI has never been given the chance to provide information to address or refute any concerns," the company said in a statement to the press. "These procedural and substantive deficiencies violate the Constitution and federal law."

Does DJI stand a chance?

As DJI points out in the petition that it has filed with the US Court of Appeals, for a company to be added to the Covered Entity List, the FCC needs to identify a national security threat from the company or the products it makes – something that the FCC has so far failed to do with DJI.

From the side of the US authorities, there are concerns about allowing any Chinese company widespread access to telecommunications networks. DJI's drones spend a lot of time connecting to the internet, and capturing a lot of footage through cameras and microphones, and that's something the FCC is worried about.

While we wait for the US courts to decide what's next, new DJI launches in the US are in limbo. Existing DJI tech can continue to be used in the country however, and it may be that there are still new DJI products to come that got FCC approval before December, such as the rumored Osmo Pocket 4.

Unfortunately for US consumers wanting access to some of the best drones on the market, DJI could be fighting a losing battle here. Its requests to be audited before December fell on deaf ears, and it's unlikely that the FCC will suddenly become proactive now.

• Apple TV has been promoting Monarch: Legacy of Monsters S2
• A huge 3,000 drone show has set a new world record
• The first episode of S2 arrives on the streaming platform on Friday

Apple TV certainly hasn't held back in its promotion of season 2 of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (premiering this Friday, February 27), putting on a record-breaking drone light show in the skies of Los Angeles.

The 12-minute spectacular involved 3,000 drones, flying up to 500 feet (152 meters) in the area, and covering an area the equivalent of three American football pitches, according to details released by Apple TV.

These drones and their on-board lights, together with the occasional firework, were used to depict the giant monsters from the show: Godzilla, King Kong, and Titan X. Titan X is set to be the main antagonist of the second season of the show.

It was enough to claim a world record, albeit a somewhat niche one. The drone extravaganza is officially the tallest aerial display of a fictional character formed by drones ever, beating out Marvel's Wolverine display from 2024.

Recommended viewing

Some of the stars of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters were on hand to watch the demonstration, organized by creative agency Heads in the Sky, including Mari Yamamoto and Kurt Russell (who definitely seemed impressed by what he was seeing).

The Apple TV show made its debut in 2023, and was mostly well received – so anticipation is high for the sophomore season. Earlier this month we got a trailer teasing what was to come, and showing off the new Titan X monster.

Based on Legendary's Monsterverse, Monarch has all the ingredients for a compelling TV drama: shady, secretive organizations, ordinary heroes, high stakes, emotional bonds, alternative worlds, and of course giant creatures crashing into each other.

The Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season 2 premiere on Friday will be the first of 10 episodes airing on Apple TV through to May, and looks likely to consolidate its place on our comprehensive list of the best Apple TV shows.

I spent much of the weekend curled up on the sofa with my family, hooked on the action from the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. The sheer speed, skill and courage of the athletes never fails to amaze, and this time around the action is being brought to us armchair viewers from new and immersive angles, thanks to custom-made FPV drones.

Tracking the luge – the fastest sport on ice – down narrow channels, and whizzing down mountainsides in pursuit of downhill skiers exceeding 80mph, drones are capturing a sense of speed and drama like never before at the Winter Games.

Sure, there are a few teething issues as broadcasters figure out when to cut between aerial and other angles, but overall drones are adding another dimension to coverage, and I reckon they're here to stay.

What they're also adding – much to the chagrin of many viewers (and potentially athletes) – is a distracting buzzing noise. Yes, FPV drones sure can be noisy, and they're drowning out the sounds of metal, fiberglass and wood on ice (and cowbell) to become the soundtrack of the event.

Drones at the Winter Olympics are polarizing viewers; "the drones can buzz off" chimes one; "the 90mph drone follow cam in downhill skiing has been insane! Best POV" says another.

For me, this Reddit thread comment summarizes the situation perfectly: "I try to ignore the sound as much as I can, but it’s worth [sic] the amazing POV it provides. As long as the athletes don’t find it distracting, all good."

In general, the new camera angles tracking athletes are being welcomed; the noise of the tech capturing those shots, not so much.

And then there are the athletes – how are they coping with the nearby presence of drones as they channel years of training in a bid to deliver on the big stage? Are they a distraction?

The big question already on everyone's lips, then, is: is it possible to enjoy the benefits of drone footage, without the drawbacks associated with the hardware?

An evolution in Olympics coverage

The IOC was quizzed about how athletes are responding to drones, and the measures taken to ensure that drones are not affecting their performance, at its daily briefing on February 9, which is on YouTube.

Pierre Ducrey, IOC Sports Director said: "When you prepare the broadcasting of a competition like this, you spend quite a lot of time practicing to test, including with some of the highest level athletes, to make sure that the distances are right, to make sure that the noise level is right, to make sure that there is the minimum level of disturbance.

"It is an evolution, for sure – people are not used to seeing maybe the shadows on the field of play, or to hear the noise – it's different. But the integration of the performance and this seems something we can absolutely manage, and gives the results we have seen over the weekend, so we are very happy with it."

Indeed, Games organizers claim that they've received no complaints about drones from athletes thus far.

For athletes, the noise of drones, their nearby presence (trusting in the skill of those controlling the drones to fly them a safe distance), and potential shadows cast is something they're likely going to have to get used to throughout these Olympics and in those to come.

In her work for the BBC, two-time Olympic gold medallist Lizzie Yarnold said, "I spoke to a USA skeleton and luge coach and he said that the athletes can't hear it and aren't affected by it, but I think if I was competing with a drone I would be super aware of it". We haven't heard any feedback yet from athletes in other disciplines, such as skiing.

For viewers, the question of the possibility of removing the noise of the drones for live coverage is less clear. It could be possible to isolate frequencies to remove the high pitched buzzing noise, but likely at the cost of other authentic sounds, such as skis and boards carving ice.

The IOC said in its daily briefing that Yiannis Exarchos, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), will be addressing the press on February 18, when we'll likely found out more about the technical aspect of incorporating custom-made drones into live footage.

What do you think? Are you enjoying the drone footage? Is it worth it the annoyance of the buzzing noise during live footage? Let me know in the comments below.

A skills shortage continues to plague the United Kingdom’s manufacturing sector, where about 49,000 jobs lay vacant at the end of April 2025.

In a mid 2024 survey of U.K. manufacturers, 97.5 percent of respondents said that finding and retaining skilled workers was a significant business challenge.

Hiring digital talent is especially problematic, because manufacturing companies must compete against other sectors that are perceived as more technologically advanced.

This means that even as they invest in robotics, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and other digital solutions, manufacturers are unable to provision the specialized skills required to unlock the full value of those technologies.

Ironically, digital technology, which has contributed to the manufacturing skills crisis, could also provide a way out.

Addressing training needs through digitally enabled continuous learning

Training is the most important way of enhancing skills amongst the existing workforce.

With digital technologies evolving and becoming outdated at an unprecedented pace (their half-life is five years) manufacturers need to continually refresh workforce knowledge.

Standardized classroom-based teaching cannot meet the new expectations for highly personalized training delivered on the job in micro-modules, often exactly when needed, throughout an employee’s career.

Instead, manufacturers need AI-powered learning platforms that allow employees to decide the content, pace, and hours of learning.

Such platforms also democratize knowledge by making it easily accessible across the enterprise.

To prevent the tribal knowledge and expertise of retiring workers leaving the enterprise, manufacturers should capture it within knowledge management systems (or learning platforms), to be shared with others, including incoming employees.

Data gathered from connected operations can produce new insights, such as a shop floor best practice, which should be used to refresh training content.

Digital platforms also enable manufacturers to schedule and track training for new and existing employees.

Next, digital twins, which are optimizing operations and driving innovation in manufacturing companies, can also be used to enhance training.

Virtual replicas of physical infrastructure and processes offer a safe and interactive environment to train workers, especially those engaged in hazardous operations.

The use of virtual and mixed reality makes for immersive training, enhancing both learner engagement and knowledge retention.

Automating routine tasks to free employees from unproductive work

Even today, manufacturing workers spend significant time and effort on repetitive, low value adding tasks, such manual data entry, repeated material handling, redundant inspections, double-checking work, etc.

Automating these tasks can free up time that workers can devote to more important activities, such as innovating new solutions or solving complex shop floor issues.

It also allows employees to be upskilled and redeployed in other areas where there are crucial capability gaps.

For tasks that cannot be automated, digital workflow solutions can suggest ways to streamline processes, enabling them to be performed and monitored more efficiently.

Yet another way to free up precious employee bandwidth is predictive maintenance.

Advanced machine learning and predictive analytics solutions gather and process data from production assets and processes in real-time to identify equipment failure, bottlenecks, or other issues before they occur to not only improve equipment health and uptime, but also save employee time.

Adopting advanced technologies to attract next-generation workers

Talent acquisition and retention challenges are exacerbating the manufacturing industry’s skills crisis.

A 2023 survey found that 36 percent of manufacturers suffered attrition rates in excess of 10 percent among frontline workers during the preceding six months.

Safety was a top expectation of frontline employees, who also sought better work conditions by way of flexible scheduling, work-life balance, and ease of use in systems and technology.

The latest digital technologies can support all these requirements (recall how digital twins and automated maintenance improve worker safety) to improve employee satisfaction and loyalty.

What’s more, they can also give the manufacturing image a makeover, replacing visions of dirty, hazardous factories with clean, highly connected and smart operations to attract valuable next-gen talent.

A 2023 survey of American Gen Z workers illustrates this beautifully, while only 14 percent of respondents said they would choose to pursue a career in industrial work, 27 percent said they wanted to work for a company that used the latest technologies, including drones, AI, connected devices and virtual reality.

So, to acquire the best digital talent, U.K. manufacturers must provide a modern, digital environment and the opportunity to work with cutting edge tools and solutions.

Summing up

Three out of four U.K. manufacturers cite skills shortage as the top barrier to growth. Before fighting for fresh talent in a highly competitive market, organizations should optimize existing resources by reskilling and upskilling employees, and automating routine functions to reduce the demand for labor.

Technologies, ranging from AI to digital twins to analytics, can play a critical role here; they can also project manufacturing companies as digitally advanced workplaces to attract next-generation employees.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

• SkyPixel’s 11th Annual Photo and Video Awards has attracted more than 45,000 entries so far
• Both photos and video content can be entered, with judges including Emmy-winning directors and social media influencers.
• Closing date for the contest is March 10, 2026, 23:59 (CST)

DJI remains the global leader in consumer drones, dominating the best drones and even best action cameras. And DJI's involvement in aerial photography extends to competitions; it has once more teamed up SkyPixel, one the world's most popular online communities for aerial content enthusiasts and professionals, to create the annual photo and video contest for the industry.

The scale of the contest is impressive – midway through its 11th season it has attracted more than 45,000 entries. And, in an effort to tease out more entries, DJI and SkyPixel unveiled some of the best shots and early contenders for the $200,000 prize fund so far. Among them are seven standout stills and five celebrated video entries.

One of the themes for this year's competition is called “Frame Your World,” for which hopeful content creators are encouraged to submit still and moving images that observe the world and express their personality.

This year has drawn interest from aspiring enthusiast photographers and filmmakers, plus contributions from industry influencers and heavyweight professionals. The hosts of the competition are only too happy to point out that this fraternity includes Emmy winners and world-renowned directors. On this list of elite artists is judge Ryan Hosking, the Aerial Director of Photography for the hit series Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner, and Emmy-winning Director Alen Tkalčec.

SkyPixel calls the 11th Annual Photo & Video Contest more than a simple aerial photography competition, referring to it as a "global creative hub", and "one of the world’s most influential imaging events". With the number of images and videos submitted so far, and with several weeks still left to enter (closing on March 10), a lot of other creatives obviously agree.

Take Education on the Ice of Lake Çıldır by İsmail Kaplan (above), which captures children studying on a frozen lake from above, during harsh winter conditions. One of the judges of the competition, Judge Jiang Ping, was Chief Photographer of Chinese National Geography and highlighted the color contrast as a successful element that made the image stand out. Meanwhile, the shot was praised for capturing a moment in "nature classroom" by Professor Zhu Jiong of the Beijing Film Academy’s School of Visual Media and Communications, who called the frame "incredible".

The other judges' top choices

The fact that the content hosts a category for video places it in a unique position for attracting the content creators of today. With so many artists working across multiple media, it's a perfect opportunity for amateurs and pros to show off their filmmaking skills.

Ryan Hosking highlighted that the composition of "Iceland's Highlands from a Puffin's View" by Dennis Schmelz made the most of the contrast between the blue-green water and dark lava, calling it "exquisite."

As the contest is yet to close, there's still a chance to enter. SkyPixel and DJI will, together, award three grand prizes and give away more than 53 prizes in total, adding up to an impressive $200,000 kitty. The grand prize includes packages made up of products like the DJI Inspire 3, DJI Mavic 4 Pro, Ronin 4D-8K, and Hasselblad X2D II 100C. Winners will also be offered a direct SkyPixel Creator Contract.

Meanwhile, the Top 10 video/photos and People’s Choice winners will win prizes such as the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, DJI Avata 2, DJI Air 3S, and Osmo Pocket 3. Finally, all entrants are eligible to win DJI Credits for purchases on store.dji.com. In other words, you are rewarded just for entering.

You can submit entries directly through the SkyPixel site or via social media by tagging DJI Official on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, or X and using the hashtags #skypixel and #djiosmo. Participants can compete in multiple categories and you can enter as many works as you'd like. But be quick if you want to be involved, the deadline for closure is March 10, 2026, 23:59 (CST).

• Your guide to the best drones
• Best wildlife photography camera: our top picks from Canon, Nikon, Sony and more
• I took this Nikon super-telephoto lens on a dream safari trip – and learned a big lesson about pro primes

• Printed words can override sensors and context inside autonomous decision systems
• Vision language models treat public text as commands without verifying intent
• Road signs become attack vectors when AI reads language too literally

Autonomous vehicles and drones rely on vision systems that combine image recognition with language processing to interpret their surroundings, helping them read road signs, labels, and markings as contextual information that supports navigation and identification.

Researchers from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Johns Hopkins set out to test whether that assumption holds when written language is deliberately manipulated.

The experiment focused on whether text visible to autonomous vehicle cameras could be misread as an instruction rather than simple environmental data, and found large vision language models could be coerced into following commands embedded in road signs.

What the experiments revealed

In simulated driving scenarios, a self-driving car initially behaved correctly when approaching a stop signal and an active crosswalk.

When a modified sign entered the camera’s view, the same system interpreted the text as a directive and attempted a left turn despite pedestrians being present.

This shift occurred without any change to traffic lights, road layout, or human activity, indicating that written language alone influenced the decision.

This class of attack relies on indirect prompt injection, where input data is processed as a command.

The team altered words such as “proceed” or “turn left” using AI tools to increase the likelihood of compliance.

Language choice mattered less than expected, as commands written in English, Chinese, Spanish, and mixed-language forms were all effective.

Visual presentation also played a role, with color contrast, font style, and placement affecting outcomes.

In several cases, green backgrounds with yellow text produced consistent results across models.

The experiments compared two vision language models across driving and drone scenarios.

While many results were similar, self-driving car tests showed a large gap in success rates between models.

Drone systems proved even more predictable in their responses.

In one test, a drone correctly identified a police vehicle based on appearance alone.

Adding specific words to a generic vehicle caused the system to misidentify it as a police car belonging to a specific department, despite no physical indicators supporting that claim.

All testing took place in simulated or controlled environments to avoid real-world harm.

Even so, the findings raise concerns about how autonomous systems validate visual input.

Traditional safeguards, such as a firewall or endpoint protection, do not address instructions embedded in physical spaces.

Malware removal are irrelevant when the attack requires only printed text, leaving responsibility with system designers and regulators rather than end users.

Manufacturers must ensure that autonomous systems treat environmental text as contextual information instead of executable instructions.

Until those controls exist, users can protect themselves by limiting reliance on autonomous features and maintaining manual oversight whenever possible.

Via The Register

• Two new DJI drones have appeared at the FCC in the US
• These drones are the DJI Lito 1 and the DJI Lito X1
• They may replace the DJI Mini 4K and the DJI Mini 5 Pro

While DJI devices are now officially banned in the US, it looks as though two new drones may have been registered early enough to sneak on to retailer shelves – and they are set to replace two of the best DJI drones currently available.

As spotted by The New Camera, the drones in question are the DJI Lito 1 and the DJI Lito X1, which have both turned up at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US. FCC approval is required before any tech gadget can be sold in the United States.

It seems as though these two models will replace the DJI Mini 4K and the DJI Mini 5 Pro respectively, so we're very much at the entry-level, beginner end of the market. Considering these drones were approved in November and early December, it looks as though they were just in time to beat the US ban that came in on December 23, 2025.

According to The New Camera, an actual announcement about these drones could happen any time from the end of February to early April, with the devices then going on sale shortly after that – presumably in the US and all the other markets DJI operates in.

Predicted specs and pricing

Quite why we're getting a new product name from DJI at this stage isn't clear, but the DJI Lito 1 appears to be the more basic and affordable of the two drones, with the DJI Lito X1 catering to a higher end section of the market.

As per the rumors that have surfaced so far, there will be slight design tweaks compared to the DJI Mini 4K and the DJI Mini 5 Pro. That's based primarily on a leaked image of a drone landing leg that carries the Lito branding – the FCC documents don't include any pictures, or much in the way of specs either.

These drones are likely to come with 360-degree obstacle avoidance, according to everything we've heard so far, and should also offer a range of more than 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from a single battery charge.

Starting prices are predicted to be around $330 (roughly £240 / AU$475) for the Lito 1 and $759 (£555 / AU$1,090) for the Lito X1, which is roughly in line with the current Mini models. As soon as DJI makes any of this official, we'll let you know.

• Images of the DJI Avata 360 have leaked again online
• This will be the first 360-degree drone from DJI
• It may feature a single-lens mode for standard filming

A fresh leak for the DJI Avata 360 has shown up online – this will be DJI's first 360-degree camera drone, expected in the very near future – and it points to an advantage that the flying machine may have over its Antigravity A1 rival from Insta360.

The leak is courtesy of seasoned tipster @Quadro_News, and shows a couple of unofficial pictures of the DJI Avata 360 (see below), together with a selection of accessories. We can see the standard DJI RC controller, for example.

There is a shot of the DJI RC showing live footage from the drone, which suggests it's going to come with a single-lens mode. In other words, you'll be able to use just one of the lenses to shoot standard, non-360-degree photos and videos.

This trick will seemingly come courtesy of a rotating camera unit. Upward and downward facing lenses will capture 360 degree videos, and it looks like the unit itself will rotate 90 degrees to front-face one of those lenses for single lens video.

That's something the Antigravity A1 doesn't have – its lenses are fixed and it can only shoot in 360 degrees. If you're trying to make a decision between these two drones then that's worth considering, though of course nothing is confirmed about the DJI Avata 360 yet.

The Avata 360 being part of DJI's FPV drone family could also mean that its flying speeds and aerial manouvers trump those of the somewhat pedestrian Antigravity A1.

An aerial DJI Osmo 360

One of the two leaked pictures also shows a battery charging hub of the sort typically included in Fly More Combo packs, with three batteries loaded in. We've previously heard about some of the bundles that might be available with this drone.

We've heard plenty of rumors around the DJI Avata 360 to date, and it seems as though it will be heavily based on the DJI Avata 2 that launched in April 2024. Given how many leaks we've seen already, a launch for this drone can't be far off now.

We're expecting to see 8K video recording capabilities, with dual 1/1.1-inch CMOS sensors – presumably the same used by the DJI Osmo 360 action camera – and a battery boost over the DJI Avata 2 predicted. Obstacle avoidance and a follow mode have also been tipped by those in the know.

Of course in the background of all this there's the ban on new DJI products that's just come into force in the US – so the DJI Avata 360 won't be available there. For the rest of us, it seems as though the wait is almost over.

As of yesterday (January 1, 2026), UK drone laws just changed in three significant ways, and I wouldn’t blame you for not realizing – I have a drone, and I didn’t know the rules changed either.

We reported on the changes when they dropped, but as a recap: the first change is to how drones are classified – it’s no longer based simply on weight as some safety features will be considered too, but weight still plays an important part – and the second change is that you’ll need to turn on your drone’s remote ID, while the third is that most of you will now need to get your Flyer ID – which means you’ll need to pass a test.

It’s all well and good to know what changes have occurred, but it's also important to understand what you have to do. So here’s a handy guide to finding your Remote ID and taking your Flier ID test so you can make your drone compliant with the new rules.

How to turn on Remote ID

You can imagine Remote ID as a sort of drone license plate; it digitally broadcasts your aircraft’s serial number, real-time position data, and your operator ID – though it won’t share more personal info or a live video feed if your drone has a camera.

Many drone classes must have their Remote ID attached as of January 1, 2026, for several categories, including some drones grandfathered in under the old system. You won’t need to sort out Remote ID until January 1, 2028. Still, I’m a cautious person, and I’d just get it sorted for all your drones now if you can.

You can view your Remote ID number in the ‘My registration area’ on the CAA website. You’ll then need to look up the exact instructions for your drone on how to enter your remote ID into your device. However, it should be an option in your settings – usually under the Security, About, or dedicated Remote ID section.

How to get your Flyer ID

If you were already flying a drone that is 250g or heavier, you should already have a Flyer ID – that is, unless you like breaking laws. Now, the rules have changed, so you’ll need a Flyer ID for drones 100g or heavier, which will be anything other than simpler toys. I.e. your DJI drone.

The good news is a Flyer ID is completely free, and lasts for five years after you receive it – a much better deal than the Operator ID which you need to renew annually and pay £11.79 for. The bad news, you’ll need to pass a test to get a Flyer ID.

To access it, you can head to the CAA’s Get a Flyer ID page and press the big “Take the test and get a Flyer ID.” You’ll need an email address and a payment card on hand if you plan to renew your Operator ID at the same time.

The test should take you around 30 minutes, but there’s no time limit, and you can have the UK CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft Code open in another tab to help you answer questions. You’ll need to get at least 30 out of the 40 questions correct, and you can always try again if you fail.

• More DJI Avata 360 details have leaked
• The 360-degree drone will come in various bundles
• A new DJI power bank has also appeared

Take a peek at our list of the most exciting cameras to expect in 2026, and you'll see there's a mention of the DJI Avata 360 – and a fresh leak has now given us some additional information about the first 360-degree drone from DJI.

Veteran tipster @Quadro_News has posted an image that purportedly shows off the bundles we can expect the DJI Avata 360 to be available in. As you would expect, they pretty closely match what's available with the existing DJI Avata 2.

We've got a choice of options with additional batteries and carrying cases, as well as bundles with or without the DJI RC 2 remote controller (so if you already have one, you don't need to buy another).

The most expensive bundle appears to include both the DJI Goggles N3 for a truly immersive viewing experience, and the DJI RC Motion 3 controller, for controlling the flying machine via gestures rather than joysticks.

Pricing and power banks

We get some pricing on these bundles as well, though the numbers listed are in Chinese yuan. Direct currency conversions are unlikely to apply here once all of the taxes and duties and tariffs are taken into account.

To give you a rough idea though, the cheapest combo comes in at 2,988 yuan, which is about $425 / £320 / AU$640 using the currency rates at the time of writing. The most expensive bundle is close to double the price.

Of course there's a big caveat here: DJI drones are now banned in the US, so the DJI Avata 360 won't be launching in that country. For everyone else, this competitor to the Antigravity A1 from Insta360 should arrive sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, the same leak from @Quadro_News also teases a DJI portable power station called the DJI Power 1000 Mini – which, judging by the name, will be a smaller version of the original DJI Power 1000 that launched back in 2024.

• The first winner of the Red Bull Tetris tournament has been revealed
• The event saw 2,800 drones create a light-based Tetris board in the sky
• Turkey’s Fehmi Atalar took home the trophy in this year’s contest

Think you’re good at Tetris? How about if you had to play it on an enormous scale using 2,800 drones illuminated with RGB lights? That’s a whole different ball game, yet that’s exactly what the inaugural Red Bull Tetris tournament was all about, and the winner has just been revealed at the event in Dubai.

The occasion took place at the Dubai Frame monument and featured a huge array of flying drones that were lit up to represent a gigantic Tetris screen (see the video below). These drones displayed players’ pieces moving in real time, enabling them to play as if they were standing at an old-school arcade machine – albeit on a much grander scale.

All in all, more than seven million qualifying games were played around the world, with national finals in 60 countries leading to a full day of knockout games before the grand final in Dubai. The winner of the inaugural competition was Turkey’s Fehmi Atalar, who saw off a challenge from Peruvian Leo Solórzano to lift the trophy.

Initially, the two competitors faced each other in a game to see who would go first in the final match. That face-off was won by Atalar, who elected to go second in the grand final. Each player had five minutes to rack up as many points as possible, with Atalar’s score of 168,566 reaching almost three times the 57,164 of his final opponent.

'One of a kind'

Speaking after the game, Atalar said: “I said after the semi-finals that if I win, it will be a huge achievement for my country and myself. So it is really insane to win today, it feels surreal.” He then continued: “Over [my] five years of Tetris experience, this was the best moment, and this event was one of a kind. It’s not a thing you can describe in words.”

The creator of Tetris, Alexey Pajitnov, also said he was thrilled to see his game taken to new heights (quite literally). At the event he told the Metro: “One of my biggest dreams has been to see it played with drones, so I’m thrilled to see that dream come to life.”

Aside from the Tetris itself, the tournament weekend featured BASE jumping from the top of the Dubai Frame, as well as a musical rendition of the Tetris soundtrack performed by artist El Waili and the Firdaus Orchestra.

It’s not the first time that drones have been used to create spectacular visual displays in the sky. In May 2025, Vietnam hosted a light show powered by 10,518 drones, a record that was smashed months later in November as nearly 16,000 drones took part in a choreographed event in China.

With drone displays gaining in popularity and now entering the realm of gaming, don’t be surprised to see further events that take the technology in new and unexpected directions.

• New leaks for the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and DJI Avata 360 have appeared
• Both products could be launching before the end of 2025
• A ban in the US is looming for DJI, which would block new launches

Even as a US ban looms, DJI is still pushing out new products to try and get as much stock on shelves as possible – and it doesn't seem to be finished yet for 2025, according to fresh leaks of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 vlogging camera and the DJI Avata 360 drone (rumored to be DJI's first 360-degree model).

First the DJI Osmo Pocket 4, and well-known tipster Igor Bogdanov has posted a brief clip showing the camera being tested, apparently out in the real world. We get a reasonably clear look at the new device, though the clip is rather brief.

This backs up previous leaks around the successor to the current model, which we described as "class-leading" in our DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review. The updated version is expected to have a second camera lens, a bigger battery life, and a rotatable display.

All of these improvements apparently mean the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 will be slightly taller and heavier than its predecessor, which seems to be the case in this leak too. We're still not sure exactly when we'll see the rumored vlogging camera, but given the frequency of the leaks lately, it's likely that a launch will be happening soon.

Full 360-degree coverage

On to the DJI Avata 360, and this is another DJI product that's already been extensively leaked, suggesting an imminent launch: previous rumors have predicted that the 360-degree drone is going to break cover before the end of the year, which only gives DJI two or three weeks to get this announced.

The latest leak comes from New Camera, which has done the work of digging through all the AI-generated fakes on the web to find an image which might actually, authentically, show the DJI Avata 360 retail box. This appears to be the Fly More Combo box that comes with three batteries inside.

A first-person view pair of goggles also appear to be bundled with the drone, and besides capturing photos and videos in 360-degrees, that wraparound first-person view will be one of the key benefits of the DJI Avata 360 – which is expected to offer 8K video capture, dual 1/1.1-inch CMOS sensors, obstacle avoidance, and a follow mode.

The previous reference point for this drone seems to be the DJI Avata 2, although the 360-degree model is being tipped to come with a larger battery for a longer flight time. Whatever the specs, the drone will be taking on the Antigravity A1 from Insta360, which has already impressed us.

• The DJI FlyCart 100 is a new heavy-duty load-carrying drone
• It can carry up to 100kg and climb heights up to 6,000 meters
• It’s also able to operate in a range of demanding environments

DJI drones may be faced with an impending US ban, but that hasn't stopped new models from flying into view – in fact, the Chinese giant has just unleashed its most powerful flying machine so far in the form of the brilliantly-named FlyCart 100..

According to a DJI press release, the FlyCart 100 could deliver your next parcel – although unless you’re up Mount Everest or on a construction site, it probably won’t be necessary. That’s because it’s custom-made to work with heavy payloads in the most challenging environments, and by the sound of it, there’s not a whole lot it can’t do. It could be one of the best drones around, albeit not one you'd pack for a photography trip.

DJI says the FlyCart 100 can carry loads up to 100kg in weight, making it a beefy option compared to more standard delivery drones. Over longer distances, it can carry 65kg for 12 kilometers, or 80kg for six kilometers, giving it impressive range for substantial parcels.

In order to do that, it’s equipped with a winch and 30-meter cable, which can be retracted at a rate of 1.2 meters per second. The winch has both automatic and manual release and retrieval options, too.

That kind of carrying capacity requires a powerful battery. In that regard, DJI notes that the FlyCart 100 can support ultra-fast charging and has hot-swappable batteries with a redundant design, enabling the drone to keep operating even when one cell goes down. The batteries can also be warmed to keep them working well in cold conditions.

Comes with a sky-high price tag

Speaking of which, DJI says its new drone can function in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 40°C, withstand winds of up to 12 meters per second, and fly as high as 6,000 meters, which would let it scale a good number of sky-high mountains. It’s got IP55 water and dust resistance, a LiDAR detection system to help it avoid obstacles, plus a built-in parachute that slows its descent to seven meters per second if needed.

Still, despite all that, it’s not the friendliest-looking drone on the market. Its large size, angular design, eight blades and multiple attachments give it a cyberpunk feel, like it was heading to a shoot for a new Terminator film and got lost along the way. If I saw a swarm of FlyCart 100 drones appearing over the horizon, I’m sure my heart would skip a beat or two.

If you’re based in the US, though, you might not be able to get hold of one of these products. The US government is inching closer to banning DJI products from its shores over alleged national security concerns, meaning the company’s titan-sized drone might never make an appearance there.

DJI hasn’t listed an official price for the FlyCart 100. We’re checking with DJI but have seen prices listed elsewhere in the range of $12.500 (£9,400 / AU$18,800). That might seem like a lot, but this is no consumer toy.

Given what it can do, it’s likely that anyone interested in its capabilities won’t mind paying a pretty penny for a drone that claims to be able to stand up to the roughest of challenges. Let's just hope the FlyCart 100 doesn't find a way to connect to Skynet and get HK-Aerial ambitions.

• The FBI wants to hear from you if you make wired drones
• An official request for information has been issued
• Drones connected by cables are harder to jam and take down

If you have a drone that can't be jammed wirelessly, then the Federal Bureau of Investigation would like to speak to you: the intelligence service has put out a request for information (RFI) for such a device, and any company that can provide one.

According to the RFI (via DroneDJ), the key element here is fiber optic control. The drones you supply to the Bureau must use old-school wired technology that keeps them connected to a ground station and controller, rather than the wireless connectivity that all the best consumer drones make use of.

As DroneDJ notes, drones in conflict zones are switching to wired operation too, particularly in Ukraine: it means they can't be jammed wirelessly, and must be shot down instead, which is more difficult to do.

The obvious downside is that you need an awful lot of cabling to get any range on a wired drone – but these flying machines can now carry up to 50 miles of spooled cabling on them, which means they can still fly for impressive distances.

'Any size, class, and capability'

Unsurprisingly, the FBI is being somewhat circumspect when it comes to saying what these wired drones might be used for. At the moment, the agency just wants to know which companies can potentially supply these tethered drones.

"Any size, class, and capability will be looked at," the FBI says, but the drones put forward for consideration have to comply with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) – so they need to pass the relevant security checks.

The FBI says it uses drones (or unmanned aerial systems) in "a variety of facets while responding, and on scene of, various incidents". Right now, it seems keen to get new models that can't be jammed wirelessly – though of course they could still be taken down by cutting their cables.

The role of drone technology in warfare and law enforcement continues to expand: we recently saw a Chinese study outlining how a fleet of thousands of drones could block satellite access for a small country.

We've tested all of the best drones over the last decade. Once niche and expensive, drones have come a long way, and now anyone can get off the ground and shoot impressive aerial footage.

We've recommended nine of our favorite drones for different use cases, as well as an also consider section for the other superb models that our team has piloted that didn't make the cut. We also keep our ear to the ground for rumored new models, so it could be worth checking out the 'upcoming drones' list below before landing on your ideal drone.

Each drone in this guide has earned its place for particular reasons, whether that's down to the flying experience, ease of use, reliability, the features on board, or the camera quality. The tester has written up an in-depth review that shares their experiences and pinpoints why they recommended it.

Today's best drones

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best drones in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

Best drone overall

DJI Mini 5 Pro sample images

DJI continues to raise the bar for mini drones with the Mini 5 Pro – which is a meaty upgrade of the Mini 4 Pro and the best sub-250g available*, for an unbeatable price. It builds on the Mini 4 Pro's class-leading qualities: a larger 1-inch sensor for better low-light image quality, omnidirectional object sensing now with LiDAR front sensing, improved Return to Home and ActiveTrack 360 skills, and 10% better flight speeds and wind resistance. Battery life is a fraction better, plus there's now 42GB of built-in storage (up from 2GB before).

Put those upgrades together, with a versatile camera that can switch between vertical and horizontal at the push of a button and has a 225-degree roll rotation with dynamic MasterShots move, and the Mini 5 Pro will get you unbeatable 4K video up to 120fps, for a drone this small and light. In fact, the Mini 5 Pro is so good that it makes me question how much the significantly weightier (and pricier) Air 3S is worth it. It is worth keeping in mind, however, that the DJI Lito X1 is another inexpensive alternative.

You get a neat folding design, auto start-up when the propellers are unfolded, and the super easy Return to Home feature, together with a host of flight moves and D-Log M color profile for advanced color grading. Put simply, I rate the Mini 5 Pro as the best drone for most people.

*DJI registered the drone's takeoff weight at a regulation-friendly 249.9g, albeit with a ±4g stipulation. It's officially a sub-250g drone in the EU and UK (classed C0 / UK1), but the FAA in the US is taking a hard line if a Mini 5 Pro in question does in fact weigh, say, 253g. The drone isn't available in the US at launch, either.

• Read our in-depth DJI Mini 5 Pro review

Top alternatives...

• DJI Mini 4 Pro – so long as it remains available, the Mini 4 Pro is definitely sub-250g (unlike the Mini 5 Pro), and it costs the same. You will miss out on several upgrades, though.
• DJI Air 3S – if you have the certification to fly in the next weight category, the chunkier Air 3S will give you better flight times and stability, plus a second telephoto camera.

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Best budget drone without obstacle avoidance

DJI Mini 4K sample images

First-time buyers can't go wrong with the Mini 4K – it is the best budget drone you can buy at under $300 / £300. It is a carbon copy of the DJI Mini 2 SE, only it comes with higher resolution 4K video than the Mini 2 SE's 2.7K video. The Mini 4K also shoots 2.7K up to 60fps, and video bitrates are higher, so its videos are less compressed, plus you get a 2x digital zoom. Otherwise, the drones are identical: a regulator-friendly 246g take-off weight, 3-axis gimbal, and stable flight performance considering the tiny size.

If money is no object, the Mini 4 Pro is the best beginner drone you can buy. It has omnidirectional object avoidance and advanced Follow Me subject tracking, plus a larger sensor and slightly better image quality overall. If you're typically gung-ho, you might get into a few scrapes flying the Mini 4K given the lack of obstacle avoidance or need to be extra cautious to avoid objects, especially when flying over bodies of water. However, the Mini 4K is admirably robust and a third of the price of the Mini 4 Pro while being equally capable in many ways. Its battery life is excellent, despite not fulfilling the 31-minute measured times, it can go longer than rivals, plus DJI's Quickshots flight moves get you dynamic video sequences around your chosen subject.

All in all, we found the Mini 4K to be an excellent beginner drone, perhaps the best, and a decent second drone for advanced pilots.

• Read our in-depth DJI Mini 4K review

Top alternatives...

• Potensic Atom 2 – the Atom 2 is a similar price, yet it comes with more flight features than the Mini 4K, making it one of the best sub-250g drones available.
• DJI Flip – an innovative folding design with propeller guards and advanced subject tracking skills makes the Flip a beginner selfie drone with a difference, but it's slightly pricier than the Mini 4K.

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Best drone camera

DJI Mavic 4 Pro sample images

The Mavic 4 Pro upgrades the Mavic 3 Pro with a refined triple camera unit and a redesigned gimbal, which provides the most versatile range of motion we've experienced yet: 160 degrees of tilt, 90-degree rotation for vertical shooting, plus a 360-degree range of movement on the roll axis – what DJI calls an 'Infinity Gimbal'. The fact that the Mavic 3 Pro won best camera product of the year in the TechRadar Choice Awards 2023, and the Mavic 4 Pro is even better, says it all.

The Mavic Pro line is the only consumer drone to feature three cameras, ideal for aerial photography and filmmakers who need the most versatile drone on the market. The Mavic 4 Pro's main camera is pretty much the same one used by the Mavic 3 Classic, but with an improved 25MP Micro Four Thirds sensor for the best image quality of the three cameras, together with an adjustable aperture, pro-tier video formats and frame rates.

If you need the extra reach from the main 28mm focal length of this camera, both 3x and 7x telephoto cameras produce excellent images too. Put simply, the Mavic 4 Pro is the best camera drone we've tested to date. It is also incredibly easy to fly even in windy conditions and accessible to all users, thanks to its excellent safety features and intuitive controls, which now include LiDAR object sensing, as debuted in the Air 3S, plus improved 51-minute battery life. The result is a heavier drone, in the restrictive C2 European drone category, and a pricier drone that makes it overkill for beginners, even if it's a more portable and less expensive option for pros than the Inspire 3. At launch, the Mavic 4 Pro isn't available in the US, which means the Mavic 3 Pro remains the best camera drone for US pilots.

• Read our in-depth DJI Mavic 4 Pro review

Top alternatives...

• DJI Inspire 3 – a true professional drone and a whole other category to the Mavic 4 Pro, the Inspire 3 is a cinematic beast with a price tag to boot.
• DJI Mavic 3 Pro – if the Mavic 4 Pro isn't available where you live, the Mavic 3 Pro is the next best thing, with the same triple camera system.

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Best all-round drone for enthusiast aerial photographers

DJI Air 3S sample images

Clearly sitting between the Mini series and Mavic Pro series of DJI drones is the Air series, and the latest model is the Air 3S. Novices will find a sub-250g model like the Mini 3 more manageable than the Air 3S, but you can enjoy much better wind resistance with the larger model, plus a generous 45-minute flight time. We also think beginners will get to grips quickly with the Air 3S's easy interface and safety features such as obstacle avoidance.

As a drone with a 724 g take-off weight, the Air 3S is placed in Europe’s C1 category, and that comes with flight restrictions, meaning you need to keep a greater distance from people and animals and events to be safe and legal. However, you can still get close to the action thanks to the Air 3S's 3x telephoto lens with 70mm (approx) focal length. Like the Air 3, the Air 3S is a dual-camera drone, and the main camera is improved, with a much larger 1-inch sensor (compared to the 1/1.3-inch sensor of the Air 3). That means better image quality in challenging light, especially at nighttime. You also get obstacle sensing with LiDAR, which performs better at night, plus more built-in memory to store your 4K videos and (up to 50MP) photos.

The Air 3S is a minor update of the Air 3 and not worth the upgrade if you already own the older model, but those new to the Air series should go for the older model, as our Air 3S vs Air 3 article suggests. Ultimately, the Air 3S is an iterative update of the already class-leading Air 3, without a price hike.

• Read our in-depth DJI Air 3S review

Top alternatives...

With Autel Robotics recently discontinuing its consumer series of drones – most notably the Autel Evo Lite+ – there really is little competition for the Air 3S, besides DJI's own Mini 5 Pro – a much smaller drone with arguably even better camera skills thanks to its 225-degree roll rotation.

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The best selfie drone

HoverAir X1 Pro sample images

HoverAir invented a new kind of drone that has resonated with content creators in particular – a selfie drone. Its latest model, the X1 Pro, is like a supercharged selfie stick that takes off and lands from the palm of your hand, complete with supremely clever automated subject tracking that keeps you in the center of the action.

The tiny X1 Pro comes into its own for getting you aerial footage of your adventures, be it tracking you on a bike ride or chilling at the beach. You don't need any experience – seriously, you can be airborne in seconds, while propeller guards make it a safe drone to fly in proximity.

The X1 Pro upgrades the HoverAir X1 with a sturdier flight experience, higher wind resistance, a much better battery life, plus higher resolution 4K video. Naturally, it's heavier, but still super lightweight at 191.5g, which means it's restriction-free and ideal for beginners.

DJI has since launched its own selfie drone, the DJI Neo, which could be the better pick if you can live without the X1 Pro's robustness and 4K video specs, plus it offers more flight control options and it costs less. However, the X1 Pro's image quality and automated flight fun make it our top pick for aerial selfies.

Read our in-depth HoverAir X1 Pro review

Top alternatives...

• DJI Neo 2 – If you don't need the ultra-compact folding size, the Neo 2 provides superb selfie skills and follow-me flight at a great price.
• HoverAir X1 Pro Max – the pricier 'Max' version of the X1 Pro delivers next-level 8K 60fps video.

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Best cheap drone for novices

Simple, lightweight, and affordable, the Ryze Tello is a fun drone for first-time flyers. Despite its budget price tag, the Tello offers plenty: the battery delivered a reasonable 13 minutes of flight time in testing, while downward-facing light sensors allow the Tello to hover in place and perform a handful of automated tricks. Our review found image quality from the nose-mounted 5MP camera less impressive, with limited dynamic range and noticeable compression when streaming 720p HD video to your smartphone.

That said, we found the app refreshingly simple. It's a straightforward way to pilot the Tello, with an on-screen twin-stick setup that’s rewardingly responsive. The theoretical range is 100m, but 30-40m is more realistic – which, given how even the slightest breeze can blow the 80g Tello off course, is no bad thing. On a calm day, it's an enjoyable drone to fly, zipping along at a decent rate and reacting nimbly to inputs. The limited range is somewhat restrictive, but provided you don’t mind choppy video, it’s still the best starter drone around.

• Read our in-depth Ryze Tello review
• Find the best deals on Tello drones with our Tello promo codes.

Top alternatives...

• DJI Neo – the cheapest DJI drone on the market, the Neo offers multiple flight control options. The cost will add up if you explore them all, but it's an excellent lightweight starter drone to try different flying styles, and it doesn't cost the earth.

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Best FPV drone

DJI Avata 2 sample images

The DJI Avata was already our favorite first-person drone, and the sequel only makes it better. If you’re looking for a forgiving route into the immersive world of FPV flight, we think the Avata 2 is a top choice. We found it intuitive to fly in our review, with the addition of an Easy ACRO mode making aerial manoeuvres more accessible for beginners. The updated Motion Controller 3 is both simple to operate and precise enough for indoor flight – although experienced users will prefer the optional DJI Remote Controller 3 for fully manual flight.

The Avata 2 is longer, flatter, and more aerodynamic than before. This helps it to achieve longer flight times of up to 23 minutes and also makes it quieter than the original Avata. Thanks to an enhanced 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and 10-bit D-Log M support, we were able to shoot higher-quality 4K/60p footage, with improved dynamic range revealing more detail in the shadows. Footage streamed to the upgraded DJI Goggles 3 also proved crisp, courtesy of a new video transmission system that makes it easier to spot potential obstacles.

• Read our in-depth DJI Avata 2 review

Top alternatives...

• BetaFPV Cetus Pro – if the Avata 2 cost is off-putting, then the BetaFPV Cetus Pro Kit is an excellent starting point. The kit costs a fraction and provides everything you need to learn how to fly in Acro mode. Also, the controller can be plugged into Mac or Windows-based computers to control FPV simulators and extend your flight practice time.

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Best 360 drone

Avata 360 sample videos

The DJI Avata 360 earns its spot as the top drone for creators wanting true 360-degree capture. With its ability to deliver 120MP still photos and up to 8K 60 frames-per-second 360-degree video, it's a powerhouse for reframable, high-quality footage.

The addition of 10-bit video and the D-log M color profile means creators can rely on rich dynamic range and flexible grading, making the Avata 360 an obvious pick for ambitious storytelling and post-production workflows.

Operationally, the Avata 360 is refreshingly versatile. Pilots can choose between a traditional twin-stick controller and immersive FPV goggles, giving both seasoned flyers and newcomers a quick route to cinematic results. It's designed for easy pickup, even for those new to drones, with intuitive controls that don't demand a steep learning curve. Compared to the Mini 5 Pro, the Avata 360 easily outshines it for immersive 360 capture, but that edge comes with a tradeoff: the Avata 360 is heavier and less portable, which may matter if you prioritize ultralight travel.

The main compromises are clear. At 469g, the Avata 360 is no featherweight, and in real-world use, battery life hovers closer to 15 minutes per charge. If your top priority is immersive, post-editable 360 footage, nothing else in this class matches what DJI delivers here. If portability or longer flight times are higher on your list, a lighter, more conventional drone might be a better fit.

• Read our in-depth DJI Avata 360 review

Top alternatives...

• Antigravity 360 – despite a stacked roster of tools, the A1 is easy to use, though you'll need a spotter if you plan on donning the goggles.

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Best waterproof drone

HoverAir Aqua sample footage

Just in time for (a surely scorching) summer, the HoverAir Aqua is a truly unique drone that stands out in a crowded market – as the first waterproof self-flying camera. The Aqua can take off from and land on the surface of the water, and even follow along as you cut through waves and surf spray that'd be too much for other drones to handle. Plus, for watersports enthusiasts who've always wanted to capture footage of their adventures, the Aqua doesn't require a dedicated drone operator.

Video quality is another highlight. Compared to the DJI Mini 4K, the Aqua delivers noticeably higher video quality, especially in challenging light and fast-action scenarios. Its 4K/100fps capture is in a different league. However, it doesn’t match the multi-directional camera flexibility or pro-grade safety features of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, so if you need advanced obstacle avoidance or creative shooting angles, you may want to look higher up the range. One feature we were delighted to see pan out exactly as advertised was the turtle flip. If the Aqua falls upside down on the water, it can right itself and launch back into the air without any help, and it worked like a charm during our tests.

The innovative nature of the Aqua does mean that it feels somewhat unpolished, however. It's a little rough around the edges - and we noticed this the most when examining the Aqua's tracking. The drone tracks the Lighthouse wearable that attaches to an arm, which is pretty sensible for high-octane watersports shooting, but often led to our subjects being oddly cropped or totally off-centre.

Read our in-depth HoverAir Aqua review

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Best compact DJI alternative

Potensic Atom 2 sample images

If you're looking for your first drone and hoping for a DJI alternative with a standard folding quadcopter design, we think the Potensic Atom 2 is the best model available. Tipping the scales under 250g, the Atom 2 sits in a largely restriction-free drone category, and it goes toe-to-toe with the DJI Mini 4K. In some regards, it even surpasses the Mini 4K, all while representing five-star value.

In testing, we loved the Atom 2's complete feature set, which includes a 3-axis gimbal-mounted camera that can shoot stabilized 4K video up to 30fps – video quality is excellent, and includes sticky subject tracking, which is especially impressive at this price point, plus an array of DJI-style Quickshots flight moves, ready at the push of a button for next-level aerial moves. Aerial photographers are equipped with 12MP stills in Raw & JPEG formats too, although at the time of writing, 48MP stills are JPEG only.

There are further photography and video modes to sink your teeth into, such as an interval timer for capturing time-lapse videos. The Atom 2 wasn't fully armed at launch – Potensic said it's adding further improvements like Log color profile – these are flat profiles that get the most possible detail from a scene, but need color grading afterwards. Overall, the Potensic Atom 2 is a majorly impressive beginner drone at an attractive price point – if DJI doesn't work for you for whatever reason, Potensic has proved to be an excellent alternative.

Read our in-depth Potensic Atom 2 review

Top alternatives...

• Holy HS900 – besides Potensic, Holy Stone is another top DJI alternative, and it peaked in 2024 with the sub-250g beginner HS900. We're missing RAW format stills, but otherwise the HS900 has an impressive feature set considering its price.

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Also consider

We've reviewed numerous other drones that didn't quite make the above cut. I put suitable alternatives for each entry, and have rounded up these honorable mentions, plus a couple of additions, below:

Best value camera – DJI Mavic Classic: If you want a simple and good-value camera drone with the class-leading image quality, then the Mavic Classic is a top pick, thanks to its superb Hasselblad 20MP 4/3 camera.

Best for aerial photographers in the US – DJI Mavic 3 Pro: With the Mavic 4 Pro currently unavailable in the US, advanced pilots in this region looking for the ultimate versatile camera experience are best served by the triple-camera Mavic 3 Pro, with its 28mm main camera, plus two telephoto cameras.

Best for professionals – DJI Inspire 3: 6x the price of the Mavic 4 Pro, the Inspire 3 is a professional drone for creative and industrial use.

Best agile – V-Copter Falcon Mini: The Falcon Mini is a nifty little drone that weighs less than 250g, making it one of the most sprightly drones we've tested. This is underscored by the fact that the Falcon Mini is a bi-copter (rather than a quadcopter). The camera doesn't offer any manual control, however, so it's better suited to flying enthusiasts over professional photographers.

Best inexpensive newbie option – DJI Lito X1: While the Lito isn't an innovator by any means, it is a great entry point for anyone looking to get into drone photography. It doesn't cost a fortune, packs impressive battery life, and even shoots in 10-bit 4K 60fps video.

Best cheap DJI – DJI Neo / DJI Neo 2: The Neo is DJI's smallest and cheapest drone ever, now updated with the Neo 2. They are among the most exciting in DJI's range: they take off from your palm with no need for a controller, plus are equipped with AI subject tracking and face recognition. They can also be controlled with your phone using DJI's Fly app. The Neo 2 adds gesture control to voice control, too.

Best for multiple flight controls – DJI Flip: If you like the sound of the Neo, then the Flip is the next level up, with superior flight times and performance, plus its unique folding propeller design.

Best beginner FPV kit – BetaFPV Cetus Pro Kit: A complete yet affordable FPV kit, we think the BetaFPV is the best way for beginners to try first-person drone flight, complete with goggles and controller. Delivered ready to fly, the drone itself is incredibly light, yet also tough enough to withstand reasonable impacts.

Best DJI rival overall* – Autel Evo Lite+: As the flagship flying machine from Autel’s latest line-up of DJI rivals, the Evo Lite+ goes directly up against the Air 3S. Capable of shooting 5.4K footage at 30fps using a 1-inch sensor, it shares a remarkably similar spec sheet. But it also leapfrogs the Air 3S and the Mavic 3 Pro with its 40-minute flight time and adjustable aperture (ranging from f/2.8 to f/11).

Best DJI Mini 5 Pro alternative* – Autel Evo Nano+: DJI's Mini 5 Pro is my top pick in the sub-250g category, but if you want a compact drone from an alternative manufacturer, the colorful Evo Nano+ is a decent choice. With a big sensor and bright lens, our tests found that its camera performance trumps that of the older DJI Mini 3, particularly in low-light situations.

*Autel recently discontinued its Lite and Nano series of consumer drones. There's limited stock remaining, and they could still prove to be solid purchases, but any further firmware updates or after-sales support will cease beyond 2031.

How to choose the best drone for you

How we test

Cameras are the main focus of the drones we review, but we also test their flying performance to see how easy they are to operate. We assess the effectiveness of safety features, including Return to Home, obstacle avoidance, flight stability (especially in breezy conditions), actual top speeds, subject tracking, real-world battery life, and whether there's any latency – these are all key considerations for high-performing drones.

Taking flight in daylight hours and in low light allows us to properly check image quality, along with shooting like-for-like videos using the drone's array of color profiles, maximum resolution (be it Full HD, 4K, 5,3K or in some cases 8K), and at the various frame rates available. We also test automated flight modes to see whether they're genuinely useful or fun gimmicks. These videos are then assessed on a calibrated monitor, along with the drone's still photos (which we shoot in maximum resolution in both JPEG and raw, at various ISOs).

What makes a good image? The lens should give crisp detail, ideally from edge to edge with minimal fall-off in the corners, while at the other extreme, the camera sensor should handle noise well at the high ISOs needed for low-light shooting. Such tests tell us the reasonable limits of the drone's camera. We then combine these results with our overall impression of the drone's design, features, and value to produce our final verdict.

Meet the team

Collectively, TechRadar's team of reviewers has amassed hundreds of hours safely testing all types of consumer drones in the UK and US skies, for all budgets and use cases, covering the latest and greatest models since consumer-level drones became a thing. Our team is A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) certified.

• A DJI ban in the US could happen next month
• December 23 is a key date for the ban process
• DJI has posted an urgent update on efforts to avoid the ban

If you've been keeping tabs on the news around DJI, you'll know that there have been worries over its products being banned in the US for several years now. Next month, that ban could finally happen – and DJI has now posted an update on the situation.

In a new blog post, DJI has highlighted the crucial deadline of Tuesday, December 23, 2025. That's the date when DJI will be added to what's known as the 'Covered List' by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Once that happens, DJI says "we would no longer be able to launch new products in the U.S". This is "expected to impact all DJI products", DJI says, and not just drones.

The only way DJI can avoid being put on this list is to pass a security audit, but no such audit has happened – and in fact no government agency has even been assigned to handle it. With only a month to go, it's looking unlikely that it will be carried out.

"DJI has repeatedly and publicly requested for a fair, transparent, and timely audit, but - as far as we can tell - the process has not begun," explains the blog post. "DJI could face a market ban without any review or due process – not because of any wrongdoing, but because of a legislative gap and continued government inaction." But what does this all mean for your DJI tech?

What happens to current DJI devices?

If you're already using DJI drones and cameras in the US, no one is going to come and take them away. However, the ban could eventually lead to DJI being unable to issue software updates for its products in the US, or involve restrictions being placed on the connectivity of those products at some later point.

DJI says that "even if DJI were added to the FCC’s Covered List, you would still be able to use your current DJI equipment". However, the Chinese company added that "a listing could block future purchases of DJI products – even those already on shelves in the U.S". Worryingly. that means that "while your current drones would still function, the future availability of products and upgrades could be at risk", DJI added.

Another unknown is whether or not DJI devices that have already launched in the US will be removed from sale: it's something that US authorities would have the power to do, but further public consultation would be required. Right now, we just don't know what will happen with devices that are already being sold.

This is all down to the US government suspecting DJI has links to the Chinese military, something which DJI strenuously denies. The current US administration is currently busy scrutinizing many different types of technology developed outside of its borders – including TikTok of course.

DJI says it will continue to fight a ban in the US, and is pushing for an extension to the December 23 deadline. It's also encouraging users to get in touch with US lawmakers and make their voices heard, which you can do by following this link.

• The DJI Avata 360 just passed through US regulatory approval
• We're expecting it to launch before the end of the year
• 8K video recording and other advanced specs have been rumored

DJI is expected to launch its first drone with a 360-degree camera in the near future, ready to compete directly with the Insta360 Antigravity A1, and a fresh leak gives us some indication of when the DJI model might launch.

It's expected to be called the DJI Avata 360, and DroneXL has spotted that the flying machine has just been granted regulatory approval at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US.

However, there's the potential of a DJI device ban looming in the United States, which could come into force on Tuesday, December 23. That will happen unless the US government specifically approves DJI technology as permitted before then.

With that in mind, the team at DroneXL expects DJI to try and get the 360-degree drone on sale before December 23 – otherwise, it's not going to be available in the US at all. In other words, we might see the DJI Avatar 360 appear any day from now.

Predicted specs

Some important specs for the drone have been revealed so far, from both the FCC filing and other sources. It looks as though we're going to get a 38.67 Wh (14.32 V) battery, which would be a 26% capacity boost from the DJI Avata 2.

Dual 1/1.1-inch CMOS sensors are expected for the camera system, enabling 8K video capture in 360 degrees at 50 frames per second,, with 4K/120fps standard video and 38MP panoramic still photos also still available.

Four front-facing sensors and two side sensors are expected to provide obstacle avoidance, and enable the drone to follow moving subjects. As for connectivity, OcuSync 4.0 tech will apparently provide a range of up to 20 kilometers (12.4 miles).

All of this should be official sooner rather than later, even if there remains a lot of uncertainty about DJI in the US. We've written a full explanation of what the ban would potentially mean for new and existing DJI products.

Picture this: a pint-sized humanoid robot wearing goggles. Okay, that's not particularly weird or scary, but what if those goggles have a pair of antennas that let the robot communicate with a drone? Oh, and did I mention that the robot is holding a joystick and is flying the drone? You really can't make this stuff up.

The race to bring humanoid robots into our lives is heating up, and their sudden ubiquity in public discourse and culture is leading to some strange mashups like journalists and robots, robots and grandparents, and, now, robots and drones.

On the one hand, we have the exciting new 360-degree drone, the Antigravity A1 from Insta360 offshoot Antigravity. On the other hand, you have Unitree's G1 humanoid robot. The roughly $21,000, four-foot-tall, 77-pound robot has been popping up all over social media, most memorably in this video of it (or one very much like it) wearing a maid's outfit and running into a mirror.

Most recently, though, the Unitree G1 was enlisted to fly the Antigravity A1 drone. For those unfamiliar with the A1, it's essentially a mashup of a sub-250-gram drone and your best 360-degree camera.

The quadcopter actually features two cameras; one faces up and the other faces down. Onboard software combines the images so that what you see in the googles is an 8K, 360-degree view of the world around the drone.

In TechRadar's first hands-on, Camera Editor Timothy Coleman wrote, "the piloting experience felt truly immersive if a little tame, while the aerial videos it can make are totally unique and dynamic."

He also wrote that when using the Motion Controller, "It's no exaggeration to say that flying the A1 is child's play."

But is it robots' play?

Antigravity provided a sizzle reel that, to my eyes, looked a little too polished to be real, but they backed that up with a more amateurish clip that, in fact, shows the G1 wearing the goggles, holding the Motion Controller, and with the drone flying nearby. When the G1 moved its hand to the left, the drone flew left, and when it moved it to the right, the drone flew right.

Naturally, I have some questions.

While the G1 features a 3D LiDAR sensor and an Intel RealSense Depth camera, it does not have stereoscopic eyes like ours. Its hands also lack tactile sensors. I have to wonder if the G1 can see through those goggles and if, in fact, it can feel the Motion Controller in its hand.

I've seen the G1 in person, and while it looks cool and is remarkably agile, 85% of what it does is remote-controlled. This led me to wonder if the G1 was flying the drone or if a teleoperator was flying it through the G1.

Antigravity confirmed my assumptions in an email, "You're spot on: right now, G1 is operated by a human to control A1. Even though G1 can’t fully interact with the Motion Controller, A1’s 'point-to-flight' capability allows it to manage the drone to some extent.

"We’re excited to keep exploring new possibilities with Unitree. Who knows, maybe soon humanoid robots will be capturing drone footage that surprises us all!"

There's a larger question here, though. Why?

I think Antigravity did this to prove a point, one that Coleman made above: it's so easy to fly this 360-degree Antigravity A1 drone that even a robot can do it.

I guess that's sort of true, but I think it's safe to say that no human wants a robot flying a drone over their heads. So maybe we leave the drone work to flesh and bone hands and faces and let robots try and figure out how to empty the dishwasher faster than a snail's pace.

Update 11-20-2025: Updated with comments from Antigravity.

• DJI Neo 2 shoots 4K aerial selfies up to 100fps and weighs just 151g
• It upgrades the original with omnidirectional object sensing
• Prices start at £209 / $409, but it's not available in the US at launch

DJI just took selfie drones to new heights with the Neo 2, which is the lightest and most affordable drone with omnidirectional object sensing (with front-facing LiDAR thrown in for good measure), and a solid upgrade of the original Neo.

I never thought that such an advanced safety feature could make its way into such a low-cost drone – trust me, it's a brilliant feature for beginners – with prices starting at £209 / AU$409. There's bad news if you're in the US, however – the Neo 2 is another DJI product unavailable at launch.

We've already published an in-depth Neo 2 review, and it's clearly a much-improved model even if it's slightly heavier and pricier than the Neo. However, there's no question in my mind which is the more compelling of the two – the Neo 2's upgrades are worth the negligible extra cost and weight.

If you're unfamiliar with selfie drones, the idea is that anyone can get airborne in seconds, with the drone taking off from the palm of their hand, in this case complete with gesture and voice control, and DJI's improved smart ActiveTrack skills.

Like the HoverAir X1, the OG selfie drone, the Neo 2 can take flight with no controller – you just point it at yourself so it can lock on for subject tracking, and initiate flight by pressing the takeoff button on the drone, and it'll return to your palm once recording is finished. Honestly, it's that simple.

The controller-free experience is made even easier now that there's a screen next to the camera, which displays the shooting mode you've selected.

The Neo 2 also works with a DJI remote controller such as the NC-3, which delivers extended flight range (up to 10km), or even goggles for immersive FPV flight, though the cost shoots up when you factor in those accessories. I've included the prices of the various Neo 2 bundles below.

Once more, users can shoot 4K video up to 100fps, 2.7K vertical video, and 12MP stills, via a relatively small 1/2-inch sensor. However, it's undoubtedly the introduction of object sensing that elevates the latest model.

The new selfie drone to get?

For me, the addition of object sensing is enough reason to upgrade, while for complete newbies the Neo 2 is now one of the best beginner drones.

Its built-in propellor guards, lightweight 151g body, and now object sensing make safe flight at close proximity an easy possibility, with those tracking skills optimized for the likes of running and cycling. There's a further compliment of automated flight moves common in most DJI drones, too, for dynamic video sequences.

Flight times are bumped up to 19 minutes – though expect less in real use – as is wind resistance which is now rated up to level 5, making the Neo 2 fractionally more stable in flight than the Neo.

There's now up to 49GB of internal storage, which is enough to hold 105 minute of 4K 60fps video or 175 minutes if you drop frame rates to 30fps.

With such an impressive feature set and low cost, DJI might have just priced out its rival HoverAir, unless of course you're in the US where the Neo 2 is not available yet.

The DJI Neo 2 comes in one of the following bundles; drone only for £209 / AU$409, Fly More Combo (drone only) for £289 / AU$549, Fly More Combo (with NC-3 controller) for £349 / AU$709, or the Motion Fly Combo (with goggles) for £509.

We've previously billed the DJI Mini 4K as a better drone for beginners than the Neo, but the Neo 2 with its upgraded two-axis camera and object sensing is seriously tempting.

• Leaked promotional images suggest the DJI Avata 360 is close to launch
• It could be DJI's first true 360 degree drone
• Rumors suggest it will inherit the Osmo 360's twin 1.1-inch sensors

I first had my hands-on with Insta360's Antigravity A1 drone around six months ago, way ahead of its official unveil in August. After being impressed by the innovative 360-degree drone, and considering how it could truly disrupt the market, my next thought was that DJI wouldn't let it lie, and would bring its own version to the table.

DJI has since launched its first 360 degree action camera, the Osmo 360, which makes its first 360-degree drone an inevitability. Now high-resolution promotional images have leaked online of such a model – the Avata 360 – courtesy of DJI tipster @Quadro_News on X, suggesting it is close to launch.

In fact, The New Camera predicts the Avata 360 could land in 2025, so in a matter of weeks. If that's the case, it could steal a march on the Antigravity A1, which is tipped to hit stores in January 2026.

DJI has always reacted quickly to competition – take the Neo, which was DJI's own take on selfie drones following HoverAir's original X1 (and is set to be succeeded by the Neo 2). On this occasion, DJI might even leapfrog Insta360 and launch its 360-degree drone first, even though Insta360 announced its effort far earlier.

How will the DJI Avata 360 shape up?

It's no secret that the Antigravity A1 takes much of the tech from Insta360's flagship 360 degree camera, the X5, and houses it in a sub-250g body. That means immersive 8K 360 footage and smart subject tracking skills.

Tipsters, including The New Camera, are suggesting that DJI will follow a similar path by utilizing tech from its recent 360 degree camera, the Osmo 360, for the Avata 360. That would also mean 8K 360 video, but from larger twin 1.1-inch sensors.

Further promotional shots shared by @Quadro_News show the Avata 360 drone with a similar form factor to DJI's existing Avata 2 FPV drone. However, here it looks like the flush, gimbal-mounted twin cameras (one facing straight up, the other straight down for complete 360 degree coverage) might even rotate 90 degrees for a single lens mode, which would be super neat.

What's more, there's a suggestion via The Notebook that the Avata 360 will also weigh less than 250g, placing it in the restriction-free C0 drone category, unlike existing Avata drones which sit in the next category up.

If all of the above is true, then for me the DJI Avata 360 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting consumer drones available. What's unclear is if there will be the high-octane FPV flight skills of existing Avata drones, or if the Avata 360 will be a more sedate affair like the Antigravity A1, giving you that immersive experience through its 360 degree view instead.

• We've got plenty more leaked images of the DJI Neo 2
• Pricing and availability details have also been rumored
• The drone could make its debut in China sometime today

We're more than ready to see the successor to the DJI Neo that launched in September 2024, and with the DJI Neo 2 now seemingly imminent, a host of leaked images of the drone and its bundles have made their way online.

These pictures come from reliable tipster Igor Bogdanov, who has posted photos of the DJI Neo 2 from various angles, from above and below, and with its bundled kits. There's a very good chance this is what the drone is going to end up looking like.

In fact, there have been a host of DJI Neo 2 leaks over the past day or two. The drone is rumored to weigh 135 grams, like the current model, but durability and flight time upgrades are expected.

From these and other image leaks, we can see the design has been refined too. There's a two-axis gimbal at the front for increased stability, which we can also see in retail packaging that's been leaked by @OsitaLV.

Pricing and availability

According to those in the know, including the team at New Camera, the DJI Neo 2 will actually be unveiled in China sometime later today, Thursday, October 30 – with a European launch following on Thursday, November 13.

As for the US, it sounds as though a launch in that market is still up in the air. There's still the distinct possibility of a ban on DJI products in the US, which could come into force in the near future. That has understandably put future launches in some doubt.

According to tipster @billbil_kun and Dealabs, the starting price of the DJI Neo 2 (with the so-called Solo Bundle) will be £209 in the UK, €239 in Europe, and $259 in the US, if it ever makes it there. As yet we don't have availability or pricing rumors for Australia.

That's something of a bump over the pricing of the DJI Neo, which launched at $199 / £169 / €199 / AU$299, although it's not clear if the bundles exactly match up. Later today, and over the next couple of weeks, all of this should be made official.

Leading drone maker DJI has outdone itself with the Mini 5 Pro, delivering a meaty upgrade of the Mini 4 Pro, which was already my favorite drone. And I should know – I've recently finished my month-long Mini 5 Pro in-depth review, and it's a mini marvel.

Pushing what's possible from beginner drones, the Mini 5 Pro has a larger 1-inch sensor, a versatile camera with 225-degree roll rotation, refined flight features and performance, extra built-in memory, and more.

So good are the upgrades that the Mini 5 Pro puts the heat on DJI's own Air 3S, a much weightier and pricier drone. The next model up after that is the beastly triple-camera Mavic 4 Pro, which is really for pros, leaving the Mini 5 Pro to effectively dominate a huge section of the consumer drone market.

Following my review, it was a no-brainer to replace the Mini 4 Pro with the Mini 5 Pro as the top pick in my best drones guide.

There's one potential catch, however – the uncertainty around the Mini 5 Pro's actual takeoff weight. It's registered at 249.9g, which places it in the regulation-free beginner category, but with a ±4g tolerance.

At the time of writing, users in the EU and UK are unaffected by that tolerance. However, users in the US, for example, where the drone isn't available yet, could be hit with certain flight restrictions / require certification if the drone does in fact weigh over 250g, even by a couple of grams. It's a complex topic that we've unpacked in the article Is the Mini 5 Pro really a legal nightmare?

That potential uncertainty aside, the Mini 5 Pro is easily the best drone for most people – allow me to unpack why.

A complete, compact package

DJI has pushed sub-250g drone boundaries – both literally and technically – in delivering an (officially registered) 249.9g drone with a 1-inch sensor, 4K video up to 120fps, Slow motion 240fps video, 50MP stills (in RAW + JPEG), and leading flight and safety features.

Top flight speeds and wind resistance are 10% better than the Mini 4 Pro's, while ascent speed is doubly fast. ActiveTrack 360 is refined for better subject tracking performance, complete with omnidirectional object sensing (avoidance) that is now enhanced in low light with front-facing LiDAR sensors – the Mini 5 Pro easily handled a stern test of tracking me running through a woodland, navigating overhanging branches along the way. Battery life is rated for up to 38 minutes, too – a fractional improvement.

Videos can be recorded in horizontal or vertical format (switched at the push of a button) in a flat D-Log M color profile with 14EV dynamic range, for greater grading control in post. And the usual host of QuikShots flight moves now have a MasterShots addition which utilizes the Mini 5 Pro's 225-degree roll rotation for a particularly dynamic flight move (see my sample video, below).

The Mini 5 Pro is a complete, compact package that you can easily slip into a jacket pocket. I would pack it for any shoot or adventure 'just in case', because it really adds little weight to the gear bag. The same can't be said for the next model up, the larger Air 3S, which is much bigger and around three times the weight.

Design refinements that I have appreciated include the folding propellers, which can now be set up / packed away in any order, and automatically activate the camera when opened out, meaning you can be airborne quicker.

There are limitations – this is a single-camera drone with a fixed aperture (the Air 3S has two cameras, the Mavic 4 Pro has three), even if that camera is otherwise super versatile.

£689 / AU$1,199 (no US pricing, yet) is still a lot of anyone's money, and those who simply want to dip their toes into drone flight could start out with the Mini 4K instead. Still, you won't find a drone that comes close at this price point.

Despite the price, I still think the Mini 5 Pro is the best option for beginners, especially with object avoidance, which gives you greater confidence to fly in tricky spots such as around trees and over lakes, and for shooting for social media – check out my Mini 5 Pro vs Mini 4K to learn more.

Is the Mini 5 Pro for everyone? Not quite. But it is easily the best drone for most people, and an excellent tool in any creator's arsenal, and that's why it was an easy decision to declare it the best drone.

• Lazarus Group used fake job offers to infect Southeastern European drone firms with malware
• Attackers stole proprietary UAV data and deployed a RAT for full system control
• Targeted drones are used in Ukraine; North Korea is developing similar aircraft

Infamous North Korean state-sponsored threat actors, Lazarus Group, have been targeting Southeastern European defense firms with their Operation DreamJob scams.

Security researchers at ESET claim the goal of the attacks was to steal the know-how and other proprietary information on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and drones.

Lazarus is known for its work in supporting North Korea’s weapons development program. This is usually done by attacking crypto firms, stealing money, and then using it to fund research and development. In this case, the operation is somewhat different, but the goal is the same.

ScoringMathTea

Operation DreamJob is Lazarus’ signature move. The group would create fake companies, fake personas, and fake jobs, and then reach out to their targets, offering lucrative positions.

People who take the bait are usually invited to multiple rounds of “job interviews” and trials, in which they are asked to download PDF files, programs, apps, and code.

However, instead of actually completing any “trials”, the victims would simply be downloading malware.

ESET says the attacks took place at approximately the same time when North Korean soldiers were in Russia, assisting the Russian army in the Kursk region, which was in late 2024. At least three companies were breached, and information on how to build drones was stolen.

The researchers explained that North Korea is building drones of its own, and that many of the materials used in Eastern European drones are also used in North Korea. They also explained that many of the drones designed in Eastern Europe are being used in the Ukrainian war, which is why they were of particular interest to Lazarus.

After breaching their targets, the attackers would deploy ScoringMathTea, a remote access trojan (RAT) that grants full control over the compromised machine.

“We believe that it is likely that Operation DreamJob was – at least partially – aimed at stealing proprietary information, and manufacturing know-how, regarding UAVs. The drone mention observed in one of the droppers significantly reinforces this hypothesis,” says ESET researcher Peter Kálnai, who discovered and analyzed these latest Lazarus attacks.

“We have found evidence that one of the targeted entities is involved in the production of at least two UAV models that are currently employed in Ukraine, and which North Korea may have encountered on the front line. This entity is also involved in the supply chain of advanced single-rotor drones, a type of aircraft that Pyongyang is actively developing,” adds Alexis Rapin, ESET cyberthreat analyst.

• 3 new DJI products are tipped for November
• The DJI Neo 2, Osmo Mobile 8, and Mic 3 Pro could all be incoming
• Numerous upgrades have already been rumored

It's already been a busy 2025 for DJI, with a launch slate that's included the DJI Osmo 360 and the DJI Mini 5 Pro, but there's more to come: a fresh leak hints at three big gadget debuts happening in November, led by the DJI Neo 2 entry level drone.

This leak comes from industry sources in touch with DroneXL, and the full lineup for a November unveiling is said to be the DJI Neo 2, the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 phone gimbal, and the DJI Mic 3 Pro – so they could all be out in time for the holidays.

It's the DJI Neo 2 that's likely to be the most eagerly anticipated of the trio, based on previous rumors and the popularity of the original DJI Neo. The indications are that the lightweight model is going to get some significant upgrades this time around, including extended flight times and improved durability.

With murmurings of better FPV (First Person View) and cinewhoop capabilities too, compared to the original, the DJI Neo 2 could make the step up from a fun beginner model to something that appeals to more serious and professional creators. Let's hope the price doesn't rise too sharply as a result.

Here's what's coming... maybe

We haven't heard quite as much in the way of leaks and rumors around the other two products, but the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 has previously appeared in regulatory filings. As with the current Mobile 7 series, we may again get a standard model and a Pro model.

As for the DJI Mic 3 Pro, the original DJI Mic 3 was only unveiled in August, so it seems DJI hasn't wasted any time in preparing an even more premium version of it. Enhanced weatherproofing, XLR compatibility, and increased storage have all been rumored.

Considering the DJI Mic 3 is already one of the best wireless mics in the business (as its predecessor was), the Pro edition may not add too much in the way of upgrades. It's likely that DJI will focus on a few specific specs that are going to appeal to professional users who are prepared to pay a little bit extra.

As with the DJI Neo 2, pricing is going to be crucial – and we'll let you know as soon as DJI makes any of this official. DroneXL doesn't put an exact launch date to these product launches, but DJI will no doubt be keen to get them out before the Black Friday shopping weekend, which starts on November 28.

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• 5 reasons you should spend extra on the DJI Mini 5 Pro
• DJI Flip review: a new breed of beginner drone
• Is the DJI Mini 5 Pro really a legal nightmare? The experts weigh in

• The DJI Mini 5 Pro drone has courted controversy due to its weight
• Many versions of the drone are just over the 250g weight threshold
• This can affect how and where you can fly it in some regions

The DJI Mini 5 Pro flew into our lives last week – and the mini drone immediately sparked a surprising controversy. Why? It all came down to its weight, which is a crucial (if slightly dry) subject in the world of drone regulations.

In most regions, 250g (or 0.55lbs in the US) is a significant weight figure for drones. In fact, it's the whole reason why DJI's Mini series exists. If a drone weighs more than 250g, you may need extra licenses, registrations or IDs to fly it in certain regions. It can also affect where you fly the drone, for example near 'uninvolved' people. To complicate things further, every region has its own regulatory nuances.

Of course, many of the best drones weigh more than 250g. But the reason why DJI has got into hot water is because the Mini 5 Pro not only comes dangerously close to that weight limit, it has (in many reported cases) gone slightly over it. This blurring of the lines has left many confused about what kind of drone they're buying.

To help clear up this mess, I asked all of the drone regulators in the US, UK, Canada, EU and Australia to comment on the Mini 5 Pro and explain what the weight controversy means for flying it in their regions.

If you live in one of those regions (or are planning to travel there with a drone like the Mini 5 Pro), the answers below should hopefully help. But first, a quick recap of how we got here...

The controversy: how DJI has responded

DJI isn't exactly unfamiliar with drone regulations – its Viewpoints blog often publishes insightful posts about them. So what did it have to say about the DJI Mini 5 Pro's weight?

DJI told us: "The DJI Mini 5 Pro has a design weight of 249.9g. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the actual weight of the product may vary slightly within a range of ±4g. Minor weight fluctuations are normal".

It added that fliers should comply with their local drone regulations. Which sounds simple enough, but those regulations contain subtle inter-regional nuances and, in the UK's case, are also due to change soon in a way that affects drones in the Mini 5 Pro's class.

To confuse things further, DJI has self-certified the Mini 5 Pro as meeting the requirements for a 'C0' classification in Europe (which covers sub-250g drones). But that also doesn't legally absolve you of the responsibility for checking your drone actually meets the requirements of the class you're planning to fly in.

Still, surely a few grams here or there doesn't make much difference? And what kind of law enforcement runs around with a set of perfectly-calibrated scales? While that's true, the consequences could be more serious if you get involved in an incident, like the game developer Peter Tripp Akemann did recently.

If you're flying a drone in a way that isn't technically legal for the weight class you think it qualifies for, then you could be in legal hot water. So I asked the drone regulators in the US, UK, Canada, EU and Australia for clarification on what you need to consider for the DJI Mini 5 Pro – here's what they had to say.

The reality: it depends where you live

While drone laws are similar between the many regions that use the 250g weight marker for their lowest class of drones, they're not identical.

Also, right now only the EU's regulatory agency EASA has indicated that its regulations could include support for the "manufacturing tolerances" mentioned by DJI regarding the Mini 5 Pro's weight.

That makes things complicated, so here's what each region's regulatory agency told me about flying a Mini 5 Pro recreationally. Australia's body, CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority), said it's looking into it and will report back soon, so I'll update this page when it does.

US

The clock is ticking on a full DJI drone ban in the US, which could happen by December. However, a ban wouldn't necessarily mean being unable to fly DJI drones in the US, and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is pretty clear on its guidelines for drones like the Mini 5 Pro.

The FAA told me that that manufacturer specs or classifications like 'C0' don't mean you don't need to check the take-off weight of your drone. "The owner must check the drone’s takeoff weight to ensure it remains at or below 0.55 pounds (249.48 grams) for Category 1 operations" it told me.

While the EU's regulatory body EASA is proposing to allow a small 3% weight tolerance on C0-class drones, that isn't the case in the US. "FAA rules do not allow small weight differences" an FAA spokesperson told me.

So what do you need to fly a drone like the Mini 5 Pro in the US? This FAA tool is a handy place to start. If your drone dips under 0.55 pounds (or 249.98g), you won't need to register the drone with the FAA if you're flying recreationally, but you should pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). If your Mini 5 Pro is above that weight limit, you'll need to register it at the FAADroneZone. If you're traveling to the US on holiday, there is separate guidance for foreign operators.

How about flying over people? The news is less rosy there for the Mini 5 Pro. "A drone can only fly over people under Category 1 if it weighs 249.48 grams (0.55 pounds) or less at takeoff and throughout the flight. The drone also cannot have exposed rotating parts. Adding equipment such as propeller guards, a larger battery, or extra lights can make the drone too heavy to qualify for Category 1 operations" the FAA told me.

In other words, that requirement to use propellor guards for flying over people and moving vehicles will almost certainly tip the Mini 5 Pro over the limit, given its weight alone is 249.9g. So unless you apply for a waiver, you'll be more restricted in those situations than in other regions...

UK

The UK's drone laws are due to change from January 1 2026, which has repercussions (some positive) for models like the DJI Mini 5 Pro.

Until then, you're going to need to follow existing rules, including getting both a Flyer ID and Operator ID. Interestingly, the CAA (UK Civil Aviation Authority) told me "we have been made aware that many operators have found their DJI Mini 5 Pro weighs more than 250g". So that confirms it's a common issue – unfortunately, that doesn't mean there's any leeway in the drone laws.

The CAA told me there are no weight tolerances in the UK's regulations, like the ones proposed by the EU's EASA (see below). "If the drone has been classed as C0, even if it has a C0 sticker, yet weighs more than 250g, then this takes away the C0 rating" it told me for flights in the UK.

So what does that mean for flying until January 2026? You're going to have to be careful and not take that C0 label at face value because "the take-off weight of the drone is the important measurement", the CAA told me.

"The addition of any accessories, such as extra landing legs, filters, colored skins, visibility lights or even ID labels, must be factored into the total weight of the drone. Whatever is attached to the drone must be weighed as well. If this changes the category of the drone, then you must fly in the correct weight category" it added. In other words, get your scales out.

This puts DJI Mini 5 Pro buyers in an awkward position for the next few months, but there's some good news. From January 1 2026, the CAA will be allowing C1 class drones to fly in the same A1 'over people' category as C0 drones currently can. This means there'll be no real disadvantage to upgrading your Mini 5 Pro to the C1 category (following DJI's process) in 2026, with DJI confirming to me that once you've upgraded it'll also support Remote ID (another C1 necessity).

The bad news? These new regulations will only apply until end of 2027. What happens after that isn't yet clear, but it could mean C1 class drones could lose that ability to fly in the open A1 category – let's hope there's a change in the regulations before then.

The other big change from 2026 is that the UK will have its own classification labels (which closely follow the EU's labels). The CAA says you'll still be able buy and fly drones that don't have those new labels from next year, you'll just need to follow the regulations based on the drone's weight. For many Mini 5 Pro owners, that will likely mean following C1 regulations.

• Read the full CAA drone code

Canada

Canada's drone regulations have their own language, with sub-250g models called 'microdrones'. However, the fundamentals are the similar to other regions outside the EU – there is no allowance for manufacturing weight tolerances in the laws, and it's up to the drone owner to know the weight of their drone. This means the Mini 5 Pro potentially tipping the wrong side of that 250g mark is a fairly big deal.

The country's drone regulation agency, Transport Canada, told me: "Drone pilots are responsible for confirming the weight of their drone. The weight and capabilities of the drone, distance from bystanders, and airspace rules determine the category of drone operation. Each category has its own set of rules that drone pilots must follow."

'Microdrones' (ones under 250g) have comparatively few regulations. You don't need to register or get a drone pilot certificate to fly them. You also only need to follow "good practice", including keeping a "safe lateral distance between your drone and any bystanders". That all changes for drones above that weight.

On the subject of DJI's "manufacturing tolerances" for the Mini 5 Pro, Transport Canada said: "If the operating weight of the drone is 250 grams or more, it isn’t a microdrone. Drones at or above this weight must be registered, and a Pilot Certificate is required to operate them". Crucially, it add that "when there is uncertainty about the drone’s weight being 250 grams or more, it is recommended to register the drone and obtain a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations or Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations."

The former involves registering your drone and passing the Small Basic Exam in order to get the certificate. If you want to fly over 'bystanders' or within 30m of them, you'll need the Advanced Operations certificate, which has much tougher requirements (including passing an Advanced Exam and passing a flight review with a flight reviewer. That means Mini 5 Pro pilots are potentially more restricted in Canada than other regions, if their take-off weight is over 250g.

• Read the full Transport Canada drone regulations

EU

The EU's drone agency, EASA, has arguably muddied the waters a little in its response to the Mini 5 Pro. As reported by Quadricottero News, EASA's Drone Project Manager Natala Di Rubbo told it: “I have verified: the Mini 5 Pro has a declaration of conformity with Regulation 2019/945 for class C0. A closer reading of the prEN 4709-001 standard reveals that the required tolerance is ±3%.”

In other words, a drone could weigh 257g and still qualify for the EU's C0 classification under that regulation. This whole fiasco would be a lot simpler if that was also the case for other regions like the US and Canada, but it isn't. There's also an inevitable complication – as noted by DC Rainmaker, that standard seemingly doesn't take effect until April 30 2026. Sigh.

I asked Natala Di Rubbo and the EASA to clarify this, but so far haven't received a response and will update this page if I do. However, as you can see in the diagram below, this ultimately doesn't make much difference to the Mini 5 Pro when flying in the EU. Because C1 category drones can also fly in the A1 subcategory over people (but not crowds), you could simply upgrade your Mini 5 Pro to a C1 classification in that region without much downside.

The main difference between a C0 and C1 drone in Europe (other than the weight allowances) is that you'll need to complete online training and pass an online exam for a C1 classification.

You'll also need a drone that supports Remote ID, but DJI told me that once you've applied for a C1 classification (following DJI's process) then Remote ID will be activated on the drone, regardless of which battery you're using (the Intelligent Flight Battery or the Plus version).

• Read the full EASA drone regulations

The verdict: it's complicated, but no deal-breaker

The DJI Mini 5 Pro is, unfortunately, a slight legal mess. The crux of the issue is that the "manufacturing tolerances" that DJI outlines in the drone's specs aren't reflected in the laws of most regions, which have a hard 250g limit for their lowest drone category.

In some regions, this isn't a major issue. For example, in the EU (and the UK from January 1 2026), the higher C1 category still allows pilots to fly near uninvolved people in the same way as the C0 classification.

This means many Mini 5 Pro owners in those regions will likely apply for C1 classification. It's something Mini drone owners have also needed to do when flying with DJI's heavier Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, which isn't available in the UK or EU. And beyond the additional hassle, the only real downside in the EU is needing to pass an online exam, which is no bad thing.

But while it seems the EASA (the EU's drone agency) is planning to build some manufacturing weight tolerances into its regulations, that isn't the case right now in other regions, as confirmed to us by the FAA (US), CAA (UK) and Transport Canada. In some cases like the latter, the Mini 5 Pro's weight issue has bigger implications, such as being unable to fly it within 30m of bystanders if its take-off weight does tip over 250g.

None of this is really a deal-breaker for DJI's new drone, with our hands-on DJI Mini 5 Pro review concluding that it's "definitely worth upgrading for". However, the added complications of that weight are something to bear in mind, particularly if you're planning to travel and fly the drone outside your home country. Hopefully, the information and links above will prove helpful if that's in your plans.

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• The DJI Mini 5 Pro is the most impressive sub-250g drone I've tested – trust me, it's definitely worth upgrading for

You might think that a cheap drone is your best first drone – and I've said that very thing about the DJI Mini 4K, a superb sub-$300 / £300 beginner drone.

But what if I was to tell you that paying extra for a drone that has one particular feature could transform your flying experience – and it's a feature that'll likely increase the drone's lifespan too.

The feature I'm referring to is object sensing, and it can be found in the new DJI Mini 5 Pro. But the Mini 5 Pro is three times the price of the Mini 4K – so surely it's overkill? Not necessarily. Let me explain...

Buy cheap, buy twice

If you're looking for your first drone and just want a simple and fun flying experience, you might think that the Mini 4K, or similarly priced alternatives like the Potensic Atom 2, will tick those boxes.

They're both excellent starter drones. You'll get smooth stabilized 4K video with these low-cost models, a variety of automated flight moves for dynamic aerial videos, plus decent wind resistance and battery life.

However, having flown such models for countless hours, I've realized that I'm not pushing myself when it comes to developing my flying skills. The reason? Following a few collisions with tree branches and the like in my early days, I've adopted a cautious piloting approach.

Frankly, it's a miracle my Mini 4K is still operating, following the mishaps I've had with it, and now I pilot it with care.

That underlying fear of a collision spoils the experience. Put simply, you won't want to push these simple beginner drones to the limit, and taking the cautious approach limits where you fly and the kinds of aerial videos you can make.

The Mini 5 Pro, on the other hand, features omnidirectional object sensing and LiDAR – and after spending several hours flying the drone I can report that it works extremely well.

I've flown through tree cover and over lakes – the kind of moves I daren't try to pull off with the Mini 4K. Thanks to the Mini 5 Pro's capabilities, I've avoided collisions so far – check out some of my Mini 5 Pro clips below, which include tracking sequences through woodland where the drone auto navigates overhanging branches.

Not only is the Mini 5 Pro more likely to last me for years of service than a drone like the Mini 4K, I'm more confident piloting it – and I'm finally enjoying the thrilling flying experiences I've been looking for. The fact that it has a best-in-class camera, which is even more capable than those on pricier models like the Air 3S, is the icing on the cake.

You can push a drone like the Mini 5 Pro harder thanks to its object sensing, and it should last longer. Yes, the initial outlay is bigger, but you're more likely to fully embrace the fun and excitement of drone piloting, and that's why it's my top pick for most people.

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DJI redefined what mini drones can do with its new Mini 5 Pro – a 1-inch-sensor-toting, object-sensing, active-tracking, faster-flying beginner drone.

In fact, DJI might have created a problem for itself with the stellar DJI Mini 5 Pro – because who will want its other consumer drones now?

Being less than 250g, the flagship mini model sits in the restriction-free category of drones (that's C0 in Europe), yet it punches well above its weight, putting the squeeze on pricier models like the Air 3S – which is a fantastic drone in its own right.

You can bag the priciest Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo, which includes a charging hub, two spare batteries, ND filter kit and RC 2 controller (which features a 5.5-inch touchscreen) for £979 / AU$1,699, or opt for the standard £679 / AU$1,119 bundle (US pricing and availability TBC).

For the cash you get a ridiculous feature set. And having flown the mini drone and shared my first impressions already, there are a few standout features I think you should know about, especially if you shoot a mix of long and short form social content.

That camera

As an upgrade of the Mini 4 Pro, it's the Mini 5 Pro's video skills that shine. The sensor is a larger 1-inch type – the same 50MP unit as in the Air 3S.

Paired with a 10-bit color depth and DJI's D Log M color profile, the Mini 5 Pro's 4K video quality outshines other mini models, essentially matching that of the pricier Air 3S., For example, you'll notice details in highlights that are simply blown out in cheaper models.

And while the Air 3S has a second telephoto camera for a tighter perspective, the single-camera Mini 5 Pro has a trick up its sleeve – roll rotation.

Its three-axis gimbal-mounted camera offers a 225-degree range of roll rotation, which enables vertical shooting. That's right, at the push of a button you can switch between horizontal and vertical shooting, without losing resolution. The Air 3S, however, only shoots vertical video up to 2.7K.

Roll rotation is a game-changing feature for social media content – it's the kind of skills found in the pro Mavic 4 Pro drone, which is 3x the price of the Mini 5 Pro.

You can get full resolution 4K video whichever format you choose. And you won't sacrifice any quality all the way up to 60fps – it's 10-bit all the way (see my short vertical video sample, above). There's slow motion recording too: 4K 120fps and 1080p up to 240fps.

The Mini 5 Pro also packs DJI's omnidiretional object sensing with front-facing LiDAR, plus refined 360° ActiveTrack subject tracking, which will reliably stick to your subject, keeping them in the center of the frame even while navigating surrounding obstacles.

The Mini 5 Pro's feature set reads likes the Air 3S's in many places, yet the Air 3S weighs over 700g meaning there are additional regulations to adhere to. Again, the Mini 5 Pro sits in that magic sub-250g category.

I rarely use the word game-changing, but it feels apt for the Mini 5 Pro – DJI just upped the game for content creators.

Unless you're a professional aerial filmmaker who needs the quality of the Mavic 4 Pro, I can't think of too many reasons why you'd look at any other drone than the sub-250g Mini 5 Pro.

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DJI raised the bar for beginner drones this week with the launch of the Mini 5 Pro. It's the best sub-250g drone I've flown, with a class-leading camera and flight features.

With larger 1-inch sensor and refined safety features and flight modes, it is a solid upgrade over its successor, the Mini 4 Pro. It comes in at the same price, too, so if you're a first time buyer there's no contest between those Mini Pro models.

If you compare the capabilities of DJI's latest flagship mini drone to other current models, especially the Mini 4K, it's a slam dunk for the Mini 5 Pro, too.

That said, the Mini 5 Pro costs around 3x the price of the Mini 4K, and when I reviewed the entry-level model I called it 'your best first drone'.

Do I stand by those words now that the Mini 5 Pro is on the scene? Which sub-250g makes the most sense? Let's unpack the key points.

1. Price and availability

• DJI Mini 5 Pro starts at £689 / AU$1,119 (currently not available in the US)
• DJI Mini 4K starts at $299 / £240 / AU$499

If you're on a limited budget, the entry-level Mini 4K is seemingly the obvious pick at around just 35% the price of the Mini 5 Pro.

Both models are available in a standard kit or a Fly More Combo kit. The Mini 4K costs $299 / £269 / AU$499 while the Fly More Combo with RC-N1C controller costs $449 / £399 / AU$699 (it's currently on sale with around 10-15% off).

Meanwhile, the Mini 5 Pro costs £689 / AU$1,119 standalone, or you can pay £869 / AU$1,419 for the Fly More Combo with RC-N3 controller or £979 / AU$1,699 for the Fly More Combo RC 2.

There's no typo above regarding US pricing – if you're in the US you currently don't have a choice, because, as with other recent DJI products such as the Mavic 4 Pro, the Mini 5 Pro is not available at DJI's US store.

Regardless of availability, does the Mini 4K being the cheaper drone make it the better value? From experience I would say not necessarily.

I own a Mini 4K and it has got into some serious scrapes because it misses certain safety features which the Mini 5 Pro possesses – the pricier drone is more likely to offer you years of service and I reckon it's worth the extra outlay. Let's unpack why…

2. Safety features

• DJI Mini 5 Pro: class-leading omni-directional object sensing and LiDAR
• DJI Mini 4K: downward facing sensors for take off and landing only

A big difference between the Mini 5 Pro and Mini 4K is the flight safety features that one possesses and the other lacks.

The Mini 5 Pro includes omni-directional object sensing which will detect nearby hazards and prevent the drone from colliding with them. I've taken several flights with the 'Pro' model and its object sensing works extremely well, even with subject tracking in play.

Furthermore, it now features front-facing LiDAR, which improves the drone's sensing in low light – that's an upgrade from the Mini 4 Pro.

The Mini 4K, on the other hand, has no such feature: the only sensors it includes are downward facing and function for safe take off and landing.

I've been using the Mini 4K for a long time now, and it's collided with tree branches and other obstacles on several occasions. It has shown a remarkable ruggedness to continue working, but I feel there's a ticking clock on how long it will last.

The lack of safety features also impacts how brave I am in piloting the Mini 4K. I avoid getting too close to objects, which certainly affects where I fly and how dynamic the videos I make are.

Conversely, with the Mini 5 Pro I can be more confident in flight and I enjoy piloting it more – and it shows in the videos I make. Talking of videos...

3. Video recording

• DJI Mini 5 Pro: 1-inch sensor with 4K recording up to 120fps, slow motion 1080p, D Log M color profile
• DJI Mini 4K: 1/2.3-inch sensor with 4K 30fps video, standard color profile only

Both drones shoot 4K video, but the similarity ends there. The Mini 5 Pro has a much larger 1-inch sensor for better quality video in daylight and low light – and the same can be said versus the Mini 4 Pro.

It also shoots video in 10-bit color depth, which has 13x more colors than the 8-bit color depth that the Mini 4K has. There's also a greater choice of color profiles with the Mini 5 Pro – both have a good-to-go standard color profile, while the Pro model also has the flat D Log M profile (which needs grading, but holds more detail in highlights).

You'll also get a better choice of frame rates with the Mini 5 Pro – it can shoot 4K 10-bit video up to 60fps and also offers slow motion 120fps recording, which can be upped to 240fps if you lower resolution to 1080p.

The Mini 4K only shoots 4K video up to 30fps, while it can double that rate for 2.7K video.

4. The camera

• DJI Mini 5 Pro: 3-axis gimbal and 225 degree roll rotation, 50MP stills
• DJI Mini 4K: 3 axis gimbal, 12MP stills

Both drones feature a 3-axis mechanical gimbal to stabilize their respective cameras, making for a smooth live view experience and video capture. However, the Mini 5 Pro's gimbal is the more versatile of the two because it has a 225-degree roll rotation range.

The upshot of roll rotation is that you can switch between horizontal and vertical orientation at the push of a button. That means it's much easier to shoot vertical photos and video for socials with the Mini 5 Pro.

As for still images, the Mini 5 Pro can shoot 50MP stills while the Mini 4K is limited to 12MP. Both offer an inferior-quality digital zoom, but on the Mini 5 Pro at least you can get better results by cropping those larger photos instead, if you need a tighter perspective.

5. Flight

• DJI Mini 5 Pro: 2,788mAh battery and 36 minute flight time, 19m/s top speed, up to 20km transmission, 360° ActiveTrack, QuickShots
• DJI Mini 4K: 2,250mAh battery and 31 minute flight time, up to 10km transmission, QuickShots

There's not a huge difference between the two drones regarding flight performance, but the Mini 5 Pro edges the Mini 4K in all the key areas. Its larger battery delivers a 10-15% longer flight time, its top speed is slightly quicker, plus it features DJI's 04+ video transmission for twice the range.

Both drones feature DJI's array of QuickShots flight moves – a selection of beginner-friendly automatic movements which can create dynamic videos, usually around a selected subject.

However, the Mini 5 Pro is the only drone here which features DJI's 360° ActiveTrack mode. It'll track your subject, keeping them in the center of the frame. Combined with object sensing, you'll be able to follow subjects even in tricky scenes such as woodlands.

DJI Mini 5 Pro vs DJI Mini 4K: early verdict

If you want the most capable sub-250g drone there's no contest – the DJI Mini 5 Pro wins in every area over the Mini 4K.

The only thing going for the entry-level Mini 4K is its significantly lower price. However, given it lacks the advanced safety features that the advanced Mini 5 Pro has, I don't think it's better value – as the saying has it, 'buy cheap, buy twice'.

I already own a Mini 4K, but if I had the Mini 5 Pro I know which drone I'd use every time. The pricier model flies better, you can push it closer to the action without fearing collisions, plus it makes better-quality aerial images.

A nice little Mini 5 Pro bonus is the 42GB of on board storage, meaning you can still record video should you forget a memory card. Want my advice? If you can, I'd spend the extra cash on the Pro model.

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• First DJI Mini drone with a 1-inch sensor, yet still under 250g
• Camera can rotate up to 225 degrees to support vertical shooting
• Price starts at £679 / AU$1,119 (US pricing and availability TBC)

DJI just raised the bar for beginner drones with its new Mini 5 Pro. The latest flagship model is the first in the 'Mini' series with a (larger) 1-inch sensor for improved 4K video up to 120fps, 50MP stills and cinematic 10-bit video with D-Log M color profile and 14EV dynamic range.

The gimbal camera has a versatile range of motion, too – up to 225 degrees roll rotation, which enables vertical shooting. Combined with DJI's one-click QuickShots moves and improved 360° ActiveTrack skills, the Mini 5 Pro promises next-level aerial images.

Safety features also receive a boost – omnidirectional object sensing is boosted by front-facing LiDAR for improved nighttime return-to-home skills, while flight time lasts up to 36 minutes on a full charge.

Crucially, DJI has been able to place this additional hardware, which delivers improved performance, in a drone that still officially weighs less than 250g. There's slight ambiguity on its actual weight which can be ±4g depending on the batch you get, so it could be up to 254g, however the Mini 5 Pro is officially in the restriction-free C0 category in Europe.

I've had a hands-on with the flagship Mini drone – check out my DJI Mini 5 Pro first impressions now, and then look out for my full verdict once I've spent more time with it.

Put simply, though, it's a safe bet that the Mini 5 Pro will be regarded as the best beginner drone available. Even better – the price point is surprisingly affordable…

Setting the bar for beginner drones, but the same DJI / US issue strikes

The standard DJI Mini 5 Pro bundle costs £679 / AU$1,119 and the Fly More Combo (DJI RC-N3) is £869 / AU$1,419, while the Fly More Combo (DJI RC2) costs £979 / AU$1,699.

You'll notice there's no US pricing above. That's because DJI's stance amidst its potential US ban and tariffs is as follows:

‘The DJI Mini 5 Pro will not be available officially in the United States upon its global launch on September 17. DJI remains dedicated to the U.S. market and is optimizing our strategy to best serve our customers amidst evolving local conditions.’

Like recent DJI products such as the Mavic 4 Pro, it seems unlikely the Mini 5 Pro will appear at DJI's official US store. There's a chance that independent retailers will stock the Mini 5 Pro, but at launch we simply don't know when or if the Mini 5 Pro will make it to the US.

That's bad news for US pilots. At 249.9g, the Mini 5 Pro pushes the boundaries for what is possible in a restriction-free camera drone, refining the previous best Mini 4 Pro with that larger 1-inch sensor and enhanced flight and safety features.

There are niche alternatives on the horizon with a unique set of skills, including the Antigravity A1 by Insta360 with its 360-degree camera, and the waterproof HoverAir Aqua, which can take off from and land on water.

However, for me it's the DJI Mini 5 Pro that looks like the complete package, and it's hard to see where DJI can further improve in a future successor while keeping it to that magic sub-250g weight.

Stay tuned for my in-depth verdict, coming soon. In the meantime, let me know what you think about DJI's latest mini drone in the comments below.

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