Key developments
Shenzhen opens major drone industry congress
CGTN reported that the 10th Drone World Congress opened May 22 in Shenzhen, drawing 1,220 companies from 17 countries and regions and showcasing more than 10,000 drones and low-altitude economy products. Shenzhen says it now has about 1,900 low-altitude-economy firms, with consumer drones accounting for 70% of the global market and industrial drones 50%. The city also said it had 1,284 takeoff and landing sites by March and 80,000 5G base stations, with more than 23,000 upgraded to 5G-Advanced.
Why it matters
It reinforces Shenzhen’s position as the main global hub for drone manufacturing, infrastructure, and low-altitude economy policy.
Sources & driving stories
CGTN · Gong Zhe
CGTN coverageRAF deploys low-cost anti-drone rockets
Interesting Engineering reported that the Royal Air Force has begun deploying APKWS on Eurofighter Typhoons from No. 9 Squadron for defensive counter-drone missions in the Middle East. The system turns unguided 70mm rockets into laser-guided precision munitions, and UK officials said it moved from testing to operational use in less than two months. The Ministry of Defence said March and April trials included live-fire and air-to-air engagements against hostile drone targets.
Why it matters
It gives the RAF a cheaper, rapidly fielded option for intercepting drones in active operations.
Sources & driving stories
INTERESTING ENGINEERING · Atharva Gosavi
Interesting Engineering coverageMarines test helicopter drone command node
Marine Corps Times reported that the U.S. Marine Corps tested using a UH-1Y Venom helicopter as a mobile drone command center during a Southern California exercise. Marines launched a Neros Archer FPV drone from the ground and then transferred control to operators aboard the helicopter to test whether airborne crews can manage low-cost drones in motion. The Corps also looked at whether aircraft such as the AH-1Z Viper could extend FPV drone reach for live-feed observation.
Why it matters
It shows the Corps is experimenting with airborne drone control as a new aviation tactic.
Sources & driving stories
MARINE CORPS TIMES
Marine Corps Times coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Ukraine stages battlefield drone competition
The Wild Drones event brought together frontline units and manufacturers, showing how battlefield drone tactics are being refined in real time.
WORTH NOTING
Philadelphia sets World Cup no-drone zones
The FBI and local partners are expanding drone restrictions and enforcement around major event sites, a sign of tightening airspace control at mass gatherings.
WORTH NOTING
Oakland pilots drones for dumping reports
The city is testing AI-guided drones for public-works monitoring, a notable municipal use case beyond security and defense.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Can Shenzhen reduce DJI dependence?
The city’s drone leadership is strong, but the sector’s reliance on DJI leaves it exposed to concentrated-company risk.
OPEN QUESTION
Will low-cost counter-drone rockets spread?
The RAF’s rapid APKWS rollout raises the question of whether other air forces will adopt similar cheaper interceptors at scale.