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TOPIC

Drones

Drones
The latest news, analysis and opinion on drones, especially Chinese drone makers and drone usage.
A US soldier monitors an area near the border wall between the United States and Mexico. Photo: Reuters
United States

US military laser shoots down government drone in Texas incident

The Pentagon used a high-energy laser system to down a Customs and Border Protection drone described as ‘seemingly threatening’.

US-China relations

Chinese drone maker DJI sues to challenge US import ban on new models

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Ukraine war

‘Brutal terrorist act’: twin blasts rock western Ukrainian city

Drugs

Mexico kills cartel leader wanted by US, sparking violent reaction

Mexican army killed ‘El Mencho’, the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel during an operation to capture him.

Police secure an area where vehicles were set on fire in Zapopan, Mexico. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

Russian barrage strikes Ukrainian infrastructure as war drags on

Kyiv has faced waves of overnight strikes in recent weeks as Moscow has intensified its winter assaults.

Ukraine war

5 European nations to make drones by tapping Ukraine’s war experience

The initiative by France, Poland, Germany, the UK and Italy comes after a spate of violations of Europe’s airspace involving rogue drones.

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China’s coastguard

Chinese coastguard reveals growing reliance on drones at Scarborough Shoal

Lunar New Year post gives rare look at the role of uncrewed aircraft in training and operations near disputed South China Sea reef.

Qiu Canhui operates a drone aboard the Chinese coastguard vessel Wanshan near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on February 11. Photo: Xinhua
China's military weapons

Why the growing network of American MQ-9 drones is a challenge for China

Reapers can carry out both reconnaissance and strike missions and an increasing number of US allies and partners are buying them.

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US-China relations

Pentagon adds Chinese firms to military list, then withdraws filing

Move weeks before Trump-Xi summit highlights mixed signals from Washington and injects fresh uncertainty into fragile US-China truce.

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Ukraine war

Russia launches missile, drone barrage at Ukraine as peace talks stall

Massive air assault targets energy systems and hits buildings in the capital and elsewhere, according to Ukrainian officials.

Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of a Russian early-morning guided bomb strike on a residential area in Donetsk region on Thursday. Photo: EPA
United States

US military laser tech and cartel drones stir airspace confusion in Texas

El Paso flights resume after conflicting reports of Mexican cartel drone incursions and uncoordinated Pentagon laser testing.

A U.S. military officer uses binoculars while surveilling near the border wall between the United States and Mexico, after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she ruled out a U.S. military intervention to combat drug cartels, following a “good conversation” on Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump on security and drug trafficking, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, January 12, 2026. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez
China’s private sector

Insta360, Vivo challenge DJI’s turf, eyeing a slice of the gimbal camera boom

Insta360 and Vivo plan new handheld cameras to challenge DJI, but analysts say building a content ecosystem will be the tougher battle.

China's military weapons

Chinese drone for anti-submarine warfare among systems at Saudi defence show

Demand is growing in the Middle East for autonomous platforms and it is now one of the largest overseas markets for China’s military drones.

Science

Could this thrust device give Chinese drones an edge over F-35s?

An aerodynamic tail nozzle designed in Nanjing proves its mettle in a high-subsonic speed drone test.

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The nozzle was tested on a CK-300 drone. Photo: NUAA
Electric & new energy vehicles

AutoFlight unveils world’s largest flying car as China races to lead the skies

CATL-backed AutoFlight debuts Matrix, targeting global expansion, as Beijing moves to set standards for domestic eVTOL makers and operators.

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AutoFlight describes eVTOL aircraft Matrix as the largest of its kind in the world. Photo: Handout
Middle East

US fighter jet shoots down Iranian drone approaching aircraft carrier

The Iranian Shahed-139 was flying towards the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea ‘with unclear intent’, a US official says.

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Ukraine war

Ukraine left freezing as Russia bombs energy grid before peace talks

Largest barrage of the year hits Kyiv and Kharkiv, damaging power plants. Zelensky says Moscow chose terror over diplomacy as talks loom.

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Ukraine war

Russian drone strike on bus in Ukraine kills 12 miners as more peace talks loom

Ukraine’s first deputy PM condemns ‘targeted’ attack on energy workers as Zelensky says next trilateral peace talks to be February 4-5.

A bus that was hit by a Russian drone in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. Photo: Ukrainian Prosecutor’s Office via AP
China's military weapons

The US is working on cheaper munitions. Should China follow its lead?

China’s massive industrial chain and ability to control production costs are clear advantages over the US, article says.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong to test firefighting drones in pilot scheme

Authorities turn to new technology as part of efforts to enhance fire safety following the deadly Tai Po blaze.

DJI

DJI ‘clones’ curiously emerge as China tech giant battles US scrutiny

Similar devices under new and different brands spark questions about potential efforts to circumvent trade curbs and maintain US market access for popular gadgets.

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The DJI Mavic Pro 2, with an integrated Hasselblad camera, flies towards a forest. Photo: Shutterstock Images
China's military weapons

1 soldier, 200 drones: China showcases rapid launch in swarm warfare tactics

State broadcaster details how intelligent tech is used in the PLA’s ability to control masses of autonomous aircraft.

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The PLA has released fresh details of its tests of AI-enabled drone swarm warfare by the National University of Defence Technology. Photo: CCTV
Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s flying car makers aim for deliveries this year as passenger use nears

China’s ‘low-altitude economy’ is shifting from concept demos to commercial planning amid surging orders.

Low-altitude economy

Shanghai to open ‘free-to-fly’ zones covering 46% of city for consumer drones

From February 1, consumer drones will be allowed to fly in designated airspace under new rules to boost the city’s low-altitude economy.

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China's military weapons

Could China draw battlefield inspiration from Ukraine’s drone-borne micro bombs?

Leading defence scientist shares details of the creative ways Ukrainian forces are modifying hand grenades and other devices.

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The merits of modified explosives carried by drones is the subject of an article in a magazine managed by China’s state-owned defence industry giant Norinco. Photo: Getty Images
Ukraine war

Almost half of Kyiv without heat, power after massive Russian strike

Over 5,600 buildings lose heat in sub-zero temperatures as Russia targets energy grids amid ongoing US-led peace negotiations.

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Ukrainian servicemen shoot down a missile during a Russian strike in Kyiv on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

US drone demand puts Indonesia’s strategic balance to the test

According to a leaked document, Washington proposed lowering tariffs if Indonesia bought US-made drones and publicly announced the purchase.

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong to develop low-altitude sector blueprint as firms eye overseas expansion

Logistics chief Mable Chan says city well positioned for growth given established legal regime and status as financial hub.

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