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Drones

Drones
The latest news, analysis and opinion on drones, especially Chinese drone makers and drone usage.
last updated:
21 November, 2024
Twenty drones targeted the Ryazan region, southeast of Moscow, Russia’s Defence Ministry said. Photo: Social media via Reuters
Ukraine war

Russia says it repelled massive drone attack on 13 areas, including Moscow

Targets of the drone strikes – among the most widespread in recent months – are said to have included an oil refinery and an electronics plant.

Science

‘Era of supersonic passenger flights’ nears as China firm preps drone debut

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Technology

Opinion | In the global marathon for tech supremacy, Brics’ size matters

Science

China’s submarine-launched drones can do more than the US military thinks

Amid reports of a new US military plan for an underwater drone release, scientists say China has already done it better.

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The US is considering launching drones from submarines, but China has already developed the technology to do it better. Photo: Handout
US-China relations

Elise Stefanik, Trump’s UN ambassador pick, vows to counter China ‘inroads’

New York congresswoman at Senate confirmation hearing outlines plans to vie with Beijing’s ‘whole-of-government approach’ to building sway.

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Ukraine war

Ukraine’s Zelensky calls for more air defence after 1,000 attacks in a week

Russia attacked Ukraine with more than 660 glide bombs, around 550 drones and almost 60 missiles over the past week, president says.

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Ukraine war

‘Heinous’ Russian strike kills 6 across Ukraine in ‘retaliation’ attack

The attack comes as both sides seek to gain an advantage in the conflict, with Russia claiming advances in the east and Ukraine launching drone strikes on Russian targets.

A Ukrainian serviceman collects evidence following a Russian missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on January 18, 2025. Photo: AP
US-China relations

Trump’s return could mark start of new race with China over drones for military

The US is lagging behind its main rival when it comes to dual-use drones that play a key role in many aspects of modern warfare.

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Germany

Germany plans to let military shoot down unidentified drones

A series of drone sightings over military and industrial sites in Germany has sparked alarm in recent months.

US-China relations

US bans Chinese and Russian tech in smart cars, citing national security risks

‘Targeted approach’ meant to ensure foreign adversaries’ software and hardware are kept off American roads, commerce secretary says.

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Workers for BYD assemble an electric vehicle at the Chinese auto company’s EV factory in Rayong, Thailand, on July 4, 2024. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

Ukraine carries out ‘most massive strike’ on Russian territory in 3 years

The Russian military accused Kyiv of using US-and British-supplied missiles for one of the strikes and promised it would ‘not go unanswered’.

A serviceman of the National Guard of Ukraine fires a D-30 howitzer towards Russian troops at a position in a front line position in Kharkiv region, Ukraine on January 10, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Ukraine war

Russia accuses Ukraine of ‘energy terrorism’ over alleged pipeline attack

Moscow says Ukraine tried to attack TurkStream pipeline infrastructure in Russia with drones.

Germany

Germany charges 3 with spying on naval tech for China

They allegedly gathered information on boat engines, sonar, drones and other technologies and illegally exported specialised lasers to China.

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US-China relations

US adds Tencent, CATL to list of Chinese firms said to help Beijing’s military

Chipmaker Changxin Memory Technologies and drone-maker Autel Robotics also included among companies Pentagon says threaten national security.

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A man walks past the Tencent headquarters in Shenzhen, China. Photo: AFP
Ukraine war

Russia says it captures ‘important logistics hub’ in eastern Ukraine

Ukrainian forces did not confirm the claim, saying only that Russia was “conducting assault operations in the urban area of Kurakhove”.

A central street covered in debris from destroyed residential buildings after Russian bombing in Kurakhove, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on November 7, 2024. Photo: AP
US-China relations

US considers rule that could restrict or ban drones with Chinese tech

Chinese, Russian threats may ‘offer our adversaries the ability to remotely access and manipulate these devices’, says Commerce Department.

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US-China relations

China slaps dual-use export ban on 28 US defence contractors

Ministry of Commerce announces move on Thursday, with 10 of the firms also placed on unreliable entities list over Taiwan arms sales.

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The Philippines

Philippines recovers suspected Chinese submarine drone from sea

Police said the device marked ‘HY-119’ can be used for monitoring and reconnaissance.

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A submarine drone suspected to be from China was found by Philippine fishermen off the coast of San Pascual in Masbate province. Photo: PNP/AFP
China manufacturing

China’s drones reignite firework industry after years-long decline

As bans on traditional fireworks become more common in China, the industry is capitalising on the growing popularity of drone shows and shifting to ‘cold fireworks’.

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DJI

Chinese drone maker DJI plans global headquarters in Shenzhen’s new city centre

DJI is seeking to acquire a 15,658-square-metre plot inside the Shenzhen Bay Super Headquarters Base.

Transport and logistics

The sky as a canvas: a visual guide to the artistry and science of drone shows

Explore the mesmerising world of drone shows with this comprehensive infographic.

Science

China rolls out world’s first military-proof 5G that can connect 10,000 robots

A mobile communications system that can move through complex terrains has been developed by Chinese scientists.

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A groundbreaking mobile 5G base station for military applications has been created by Chinese scientists. Photo: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images
United States

Editorial | US drones hysteria calls for calm heads

Despite clear explanations, mysterious sightings over New Jersey have been linked to China and even an Iranian mother ship.

US-China relations

Beijing sanctions 7 firms in response to latest US support of Taiwan

The move follows US President Joe Biden’s approval of Pentagon’s 2025 budget, which includes several measures to bolster Taipei.

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China's military weapons

China’s military tests remote 3D printed parts for the battlefield: report

US uses similar tactics as it aids Ukrainian frontline soldiers from a maintenance site in Poland, American military paper says.

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China and the US have declared they are investing in remote maintenance that uses 3D printing and drones to keep battlefield weapons and vehicles operating. Photo: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Hong Kong police

Editorial | Hong Kong police drones expected to meet high standards

Privacy issues need to be addressed as the Hong Kong force seeks to make greater use of the unmanned aircraft.

Hong Kong police are to start using drones for patrols and to collect images for artificial intelligence analysis, regulations permitting. Photo: May Tse
US-China relations

New Chinese fighter jet seen over Chengdu tacitly confirmed by military

Mysterious aircraft bearing triangular tailless design sparks speculation it has cutting-edge stealth and endurance capabilities.

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Kazakhstan

Azerbaijan believes missile downed plane, Russia warns against ‘hypotheses’

38 people died in Wednesday’s crash in Kazakhstan. Azerbaijani source said Baku expects Russia ‘to confess’ to shooting down the plane.

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