Drone Updates: Soaring with Inspire 3 in the Arctic, Launch of DJI's Trio of Agri-Drones, and More Exciting Developments!
The Pentagon has set an ambitious goal to integrate thousands of low-cost drones into every aspect of military training by 2027, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signs a sweeping directive to accelerate U.S. drone dominance and outpace adversaries like Russia and China.
Under the new directive, frontline commanders now have the authority to buy, test, and deploy drones on their own, including 3D-printed and off-the-shelf models. This shift towards faster and more agile drone operations is part of an effort to treat small drones as consumables, not traditional military assets.
Meanwhile, in the agricultural sector, DJI, a leading drone manufacturer, has launched three new drones this week: the Agras T100, T70P, and T25P. These next-generation agricultural drones are designed for different farm scales but share advanced automation, safety, and payload capabilities.
The Agras T100, designed for large-scale commercial operations, supports a maximum payload of up to 100 kg (220 lbs). It features twin 62-inch carbon-fiber coaxial dual rotors delivering strong thrust and speeds up to 20 m/s (44 mph). The drone's spraying system offers a flow rate of up to 40 liters per minute with an optional four-sprinkler setup, producing fine droplets for deep penetration in crops. The spreading system has a redesigned screw feeder capable of up to 400 kg per minute flow rate, boosting operation efficiency by 66%.
The Agras T70P is targeted towards mid-sized farms, carrying about 70 liters spray capacity and 100 liters for spreading, balancing payload with compact size. The Agras T25P, designed for smaller operations like hillside orchards, shares similar advanced features but with scaled payload and capacity to suit different agricultural needs.
All three models emphasise automation, robust payload delivery, and precise spraying suitable for their targeted farm sizes. They also feature advanced obstacle avoidance systems, centimeter-level RTK positioning, and multi-sensor fusion for safety and accuracy. The battery recharges in 8–9 minutes, reducing downtime, and the drones can function as heavy-lift transport drones with auto balance, weight detection, and automatic navigation to loading/unloading points.
The DJI RC Plus 2 with a 7-inch high-brightness touchscreen is used for control. The new agriculture drones are part of DJI's flagship Agras series, bringing the total count to 13.
In a separate development, the Secret Service has rolled out a fleet of military-grade drones and established mobile command posts nationwide in response to last year's assassination attempt on former President Trump. These drones are designed for real-time surveillance and threat detection, with the ability to jam unauthorized drones midair.
DEXA, a startup company, is one of the very few U.S. companies legally cleared for large-scale drone delivery. CEO of DEXA is Beth Flippo. It's not yet clear whether the new agriculture drones will be for sale in the U.S.
Filmmaker Denis Barbas released a cinematic journey to the Arctic earlier this year, featuring footage captured entirely in 8K RAW with the DJI Inspire 3. The footage showcases the Inspire 3's dynamic range and ability to capture fine details, delivering crisp visuals even in low winter light.
In the world of drone technology, the pace of innovation is accelerating, with new developments promising to transform industries from agriculture to military operations.
[1] DJI Official Website: Agras T100 [2] DJI Official Website: Agras T70P [3] DJI Official Website: Agras T25P [4] DJI Official Website: DJI Agras Series [5] DJI Official Website: DJI RC Plus 2
- The Pentagon's new directive grants frontline commanders the authority to buy, test, and deploy drones, including 3D-printed and off-the-shelf models, as part of an effort to integrate thousands of low-cost drones into military training by 2027.
- DJI, a leading drone manufacturer, has launched three new agricultural drones - the Agras T100, T70P, and T25P - designed for different farm scales but sharing advanced automation, safety, and payload capabilities.
- The FAA is yet to clarify whether the new agriculture drones will be for sale in the U.S.
- In the world of drone technology, with companies like DJI leading innovation, new developments are promising to transform industries from agriculture to military operations at an accelerating pace.
