News & Industry
Company developments, market shifts, manufacturing, funding, partnerships, major launches, and consequential UAV industry news.
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Section 232 Drone Tariffs Take Effect September 3: 100% Duties Hit Thermal and Heavy-Lift UAS
A new Section 232 proclamation imposes 100% tariffs on imported drones over 25kg or with thermal imaging starting September 3, 2026 — here’s what operators need to know before the deadline.
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UK Drone Battery Push Targets U.S. Defense Supply-Chain Rules
UK battery makers are preparing for U.S. defense sourcing rules as drone tariffs increase pressure to document cells, materials and component origins.
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Quick Hits: Drone Tariffs, Delivery Expansion & Armed USVs
This week’s drone news covers U.S. tariffs and manufacturing policy, delivery expansion, DJI’s court appeal and Saildrone’s armed-USV test at RIMPAC.
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White House Holds First Drone Dominance Summit Ahead of Tariffs
The White House brought roughly 40 drone companies together to discuss U.S. manufacturing, procurement and supply chains ahead of new drone tariffs.
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Saildrone Expands in Europe and Tests Armed USV With Lockheed Martin
Saildrone opened a Copenhagen headquarters and announced three European build contracts as its Surveyor completed a JAGM live-fire test at RIMPAC.
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China Urges U.S. to Withdraw New Section 232 Drone Tariffs
China urged the U.S. to withdraw new Section 232 drone tariffs. See when the duties begin and what commercial operators should review before buying.
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DJI Gets Partial Appeals-Court Win but Remains on Pentagon List
A federal appeals court ordered further review of one basis for DJI’s Pentagon designation, but DJI remains on the Section 1260H list pending review.
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Uber and Zipline Target 1 Million Daily Drone Deliveries by 2029
Uber and Zipline will add drone delivery to Uber Eats later in 2026, targeting one million daily deliveries by the end of 2029 across U.S. markets.
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Air Force Seeks DJI Drones for Counter-UAS Training at Missile Base
The Air Force is seeking six DJI drones for counter-UAS training at F.E. Warren AFB, using controlled commercial aircraft as realistic threat targets.
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FAA Proposes $289,215 Gorge Drones Fine Over Part 137
The FAA proposes a $289,215 fine against Gorge Drones. Here’s what agricultural drone operators should verify under Part 137 before their next job.