Blog
INSIGHTS FROM THE FIELD.
The Red Raven UAS Blog is your go-to source for expert insights, industry news, and real-world applications of drone technology. From training tips and mission planning to FAA updates and gear breakdowns, we cover what drone pilots, trainers, and agencies need to know. Whether you’re studying for your Part 107, building out a UAS program, or just staying sharp—this is where information meets impact.
UAS Weekly Briefing — May 1, 2026: Possible Drone Strike Over San Diego, Skydio’s $3.5B Bet on American Manufacturing, and More
A United Airlines flight reported a possible drone encounter at 4,000 feet. Skydio committed $3.5 billion to U.S. manufacturing. Beijing banned consumer drone sales. DHS released new counter-drone guidance for major events. Plus stolen spray drones, East River cargo delivery, and Ukraine’s most intense month of drone warfare yet.
UAS Weekly Briefing — April 24, 2026: DJI's $1.5 Billion Problem, the Lito Drones Americans Can't Buy, and the FAA's New Fast-Track Enforcement Program
DJI says the FCC ban will cost $1.5 billion and block 25 new products from the U.S. Then they launched two beginner drones Americans can't buy. A mystery brand called Skyrover wants to be DJI's replacement — but its ties to DJI raise more questions than answers. The FAA launched a new fast-track enforcement program called DETER. And the drone job market is shifting toward digital twins and data capture.
UAS Weekly Briefing — April 17, 2026: Foreign Drones Out. Military Drones In.
DJI dropped four products this month — but only three can reach American buyers. Plus Hyfix raises $15M for domestic chips, AeroVironment's MAYHEM 10, a $270M Air Force solar contract, $29B in counter-drone spending, and Part 107 pass rates hit an all-time low. Every layer of the drone ecosystem moved this week.
Nobody Is Replacing DJI — And the Clock Is Running — UAS Weekly Briefing | April 10, 2026
The drone industry hit a turning point this week. No domestic manufacturer is ready to replace DJI. DJI just retired its most iconic platforms. Amazon's delivery program is facing real community friction. The Air Force deployed autonomous drone perimeter security overseas three weeks after Barksdale. And an Oregon DFR program made a hit-and-run arrest a police chase couldn't close.
Weekly Drone Briefing: FCC Drone Dominance, Nuclear Base Swarms & the Future of Autonomous Aviation
The U.S. government declares drone dominance a national priority. Sophisticated swarms penetrate a nuclear base. Traditional aerospace goes autonomous. Here's what operators need to know.
UAS Weekly Briefing — March 27, 2026: DJI's 360° FPV Drone, BRINC's Starlink-Powered First Responder, and Skydio's $52M Army Order
DJI launches the first 8K 360° FPV drone — then sues Insta360 over six patents. BRINC unveils a Starlink-connected 911 response drone. The U.S. Army places a record $52M Skydio order. Plus FAA BVLOS breakthroughs and Bay Area drone delivery expansion.
UAS Weekly Briefing — March 20, 2026: FAA Launches DiSCVR, FCC Drone Ban Exemptions, and Beginner Drones Hit Record Lows
The FAA just gave law enforcement a way to ID any drone pilot in minutes, the FCC cracked open the import door (but not for DJI), and BVLOS took another step toward reality. Six stories that reshape the landscape — here's what they mean for you.
UAS Weekly Briefing — March 13, 2026: DFR Goes National, Dallas PD Switches Hardware, and the Pentagon Commits $1.1B to Drones
This week: Drone as First Responder goes national, Dallas PD switches drone hardware, and the Pentagon commits $1.1B to drone programs. Here's what it means for your program.