Key developments
FCC extends foreign-drone software update waiver
On May 8, the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology extended a waiver that lets DJI, Autel, and other foreign-made drones already authorized in the U.S. keep receiving software and firmware updates until at least Jan. 1, 2029. The move applies to equipment added to the FCC Covered List in December 2025 and now allows both Class I and Class II permissive changes, including security patches, vulnerability fixes, and compatibility updates. The FCC also said it may move to codify the waiver through rulemaking.
Why it matters
It keeps existing fleets eligible for critical updates instead of freezing them on older firmware.
Sources & driving stories
THE DRONE GIRL · Sally French
The Drone Girl coverageDallas launches Drone as First Responder network
The Dallas Police Department has launched a Drone as First Responder program using eight remotely operated Skydio drones docked at Dallas Fire-Rescue stations. The drones are controlled from the Fusion/Real Time Crime Center, can respond within roughly a two-mile radius of each launch point, and carry thermal cameras and loudspeakers. Dallas Fire-Rescue will also use the aircraft to stream aerial views into structure-fire incidents.
Why it matters
It shows municipal emergency response shifting from ad hoc drone use to embedded, dock-based operations.
Sources & driving stories
DRONEDJ · Ishveena Singh
DroneDJ coveragePentagon payment jump tied to Starshield
The War Zone, citing Reuters, reported that the Pentagon has been paying about $25,000 per month per terminal to connect LUCAS one-way attack drones to SpaceX's Starshield network, up from roughly $5,000 under Starlink. The report says the higher pricing followed heavy LUCAS use in the conflict with Iran; it also says U.S. Central Command fielded the drones last December and used them in the opening strike wave on Feb. 28. The Pentagon disputed the pricing, but the article says the episode underscores growing U.S. military dependence on SpaceX communications infrastructure.
Why it matters
It shows low-cost attack drones can still become tied to expensive satellite connectivity and a single dominant provider.
Sources & driving stories
THE WAR ZONE
The War Zone coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Bird-drone misidentification in Ukraine
Forbes highlights recent footage and incidents showing interceptor drones can confuse large birds for targets, underscoring a continuing counter-UAS sensor problem.
WORTH NOTING
LUCAS autonomy push may cut links
The War Zone says the military is working toward more autonomous and swarming LUCAS operations with Shield AI's Hivemind, which could reduce future reliance on satellite datalinks.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Will the FCC codify the waiver?
The agency said it may pursue rulemaking, which will determine whether update permissions for covered drones become durable.
OPEN QUESTION
Will the Pentagon keep paying Starshield rates?
The Reuters-reported pricing dispute could push future LUCAS connectivity toward other providers or more autonomous operation.