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TOPIC

Drones

Drones
The latest news, analysis and opinion on drones, especially Chinese drone makers and drone usage.
The US Defence Department’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Photo: Reuters
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

United States

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

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.

The Pocket series – compact cameras positioned between smartphones and professional rigs for vloggers – has evolved from a niche gadget into a flagship line. Photo: Handout
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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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.

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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A Chinese military magazine cites the L3Harris Wolf Pack weapon system as a path the US may take to increase its low-cost munitions. Photo: Handout
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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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.

An eVTOL vehicle from AutoFlight Group is designed to hover like a helicopter but transition to winged flight for horizontal movement. Photo: Handout
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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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.

Accidents and personal safety

Hong Kong driver avoids injury after drone crashes onto Tesla roof

Police are searching for the owner of a drone that fell out of the sky and damaged a Tesla stopped at traffic lights in Jordan.

The driver said he was waiting at a red light along Cox’s Road in Jordan when the drone suddenly struck the roof of his car. Photo: Handout
Taiwan

PLA sends drone into airspace near Taiwan-held Pratas Island in South China Sea

Southern Theatre Command cites ‘completely legitimate’ routine flight training, while Taipei calls it ‘provocative and irresponsible’ act.

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Pratas, bridging the Taiwan Strait and the Bashi Channel, is the largest natural island in the South China Sea and commands a vital strategic position in its northern reaches. Photo: CNA
Trending in China

China ‘hardcore grandma’ live-streamer gains fame for farm fertilisation drone skills

Dai views her new role as both a source of entertainment and a way to stay connected with her family.

Japan

Japan’s next-generation fighter jet project gets boost as European rival stalls

Germany, France and Spain have put their project on hold, prompting speculation that some may turn to the Japan-UK-Italy programme.

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Kim Jong-un

Video | Kim’s sister blames ‘gang of hooligans’ in Seoul for drone

Kim Yo-jong’s latest statement claimed that captured drone footage included images of a uranium mine, border guard posts and the closed inter-Korean industrial complex at Kaesong.

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North Korea

‘Gang of hooligans’: rebuke from North Korea signals icy ties with South

The unusually coarse language from Kim Jong-un’s sister shows that Pyongyang has no intention of reconciling with Seoul, experts say.

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Wreckage of a drone that North Korea claims originated from South Korea is shown in this composite photo, released on Saturday. Photo: KCNA/AFP
China's military weapons

China set to supercharge radar, engine and AI in fifth-gen J-20 stealth fighter

Analyst tells state media Mighty Dragon’s airborne weapons are expected to have a longer range and stronger anti-interference capabilities.

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North Korea

North Korea revives drone claims in rebuff to Seoul’s outreach

Analysts dismiss the ‘implausible’ breach involving low-tech devices as a ploy, backing Seoul’s denial that its military was involved.

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