Drone Nerds Partners with ACSL to Bring Japanese Drones to the US
Drone Nerds has announced a strategic partnership with ACSL Inc., the US branch of Japan’s leading drone manufacturer ACSL Ltd., to bring secure, cutting-edge drone technology to the American market.
As part of the partnership, Drone Nerds will distribute ACSL’s flagship SOTEN drone, a compact aerial photography device renowned for its advanced security features, including ISO15408 compliance and an IP43 rating for environmental durability. The SOTEN also features a one-touch swappable camera system, supporting five different payloads, including standard, zoom, multispectral, and two advanced FLIR thermal imaging options.
The collaboration also includes the TENSO Smart Controller, an industrial-grade device integrated with ACSL’s TAKEOFF ground control system. It offers AES256-encrypted data transmission and is NDAA compliant, ensuring secure operations for industries with strict data requirements. Both companies expressed strong enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the alignment of their goals and the potential to expand access to innovative drone technologies across the US through Drone Nerds’ established sales network.
Source
AI Drone Speeds Up Wildfire Detection
Dryad Networks, a company specializing in early wildfire detection, has unveiled a new AI-based drone called Silvaguard that aims to improve the speed and accuracy of wildfire monitoring. Introduced in Eberswalde, Germany, the drone is designed to work in tandem with Dryad’s existing Silvanet system, which uses solar-powered gas sensors to detect wildfires at the smoldering stage.
Each sensor can cover an area the size of a football field and is mounted on trees. When a fire is detected, the system triggers the Silvaguard drone to autonomously fly to the site and provide infrared and optical video footage of the fire’s location. The drone’s ability to deliver real-time images and geographic coordinates will allow firefighters to respond more effectively by understanding the fire's size and direction.
Although the Silvaguard drone is still awaiting regulatory approval for commercial use, Dryad Networks’ CEO Carsten Brinkschulte emphasized the urgency of early detection, noting that in wildfire situations, “you cannot be fast enough.” The integration of AI, gas sensors, and autonomous drones marks a significant advancement in wildfire response technology amid growing global fire threats fueled by climate change.
Source
Maxar Unveils GPS-Free Navigation System for Drones
Maxar Intelligence has unveiled a new visual-based navigation software called Raptor, designed to enable drones to operate in environments where GPS is unavailable. Instead of relying on satellite signals, Raptor uses real-time camera feeds and compares them to detailed 3D terrain models derived from Maxar’s satellite imagery to determine a drone's location and orientation.
The system comprises three components: software onboard the drone for live positioning, a tool to align video feeds with terrain data, and a laptop-based interface that helps operators extract precise coordinates. The 3D data can be updated regularly, tailored to customer needs. Raptor leverages technology acquired from 3D geospatial firm Vricon and expands Maxar’s offerings beyond satellite imagery into specialized software solutions.
It supports a range of applications, including defense and security, by enabling interoperability between drones from different manufacturers and allowing autonomous systems to share navigational data. This vendor-agnostic approach to coordinate generation facilitates more effective collaboration on networked battlefields. Raptor has been tested with beta customers and marks a strategic pivot for Maxar toward delivering software tools that utilize its vast satellite data resources.
Source
Navy Deploys New Anti-Drone Systems to Cut Missile Costs
The US Navy is taking steps to address the rising costs of countering Houthi drone threats from Yemen by deploying two new experimental systems—the Roadrunner and Coyote—on destroyers accompanying the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group later this summer.
These systems, originally developed for land-based use, are now adapted for maritime environments and designed to more cost-effectively intercept unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as an alternative to using multimillion-dollar missiles like the SM-2, which have been frequently employed in past engagements. Over 15 months, the Navy fired more than 220 missiles—costing well over $500 million—to combat drone threats, sparking concerns over the unsustainable "cost-curve" of using expensive missiles on cheaper targets.
In addition to adopting the new interceptor systems, the Navy is reevaluating its engagement tactics to optimize missile use and conserve high-end munitions for more significant threats. Leaders emphasize that the shift isn't just about cutting costs but about preserving vital missile inventories for future conflicts.
While the Navy continues to explore other alternatives like laser-based weapons—which have yet to scale effectively—it is also relying more on traditional deck guns for drone defense. Nevertheless, officials maintain that warship commanders should continue to focus on mission effectiveness rather than the price of munitions, reinforcing that readiness and protection remain top priorities.
Source
Ukraine Building Unjammable Drones to Outsmart Electronic Warfare
Inside a small, unassuming facility in Kyiv, the Ukrainian company 3DTech is producing explosive-laden FPV drones to support the country’s defense against Russia. 3DTech makes both radio-controlled and fiber-optic drones, the latter offering better resistance to Russian electronic jamming. The drones are built, tested, and outfitted with simulated warheads before being shipped to the front lines via military contracts or charities. With production expected to hit 1,200 drones in March—half of them fiber-optic—3DTech is playing a crucial role in Ukraine’s rapidly expanding, decentralized arms industry.
The company’s staff works daily to produce drones in various sizes, assembling frames, printing fiber-optic spools, and performing video signal and motor quality tests. Fiber-optic drones, which can travel over 15 miles carrying multiple pounds of explosives, are assembled in-house using some parts sourced from China. The drones are then tested in realistic field conditions outside Kyiv. 3DTech’s chief engineer emphasized that while technology is teachable, finding and training skilled talent is the biggest challenge.
As Ukraine plans to purchase 4.5 million FPV drones in 2025, companies like 3DTech have become vital to the country’s war effort, demonstrating the strategic importance of engineers and local innovation on the battlefield.
Source
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Drone Nerds has announced a strategic partnership with ACSL Inc., the US branch of Japan’s leading drone manufacturer ACSL Ltd., to bring secure, cutting-edge drone technology to the American market.
As part of the partnership, Drone Nerds will distribute ACSL’s flagship SOTEN drone, a compact aerial photography device renowned for its advanced security features, including ISO15408 compliance and an IP43 rating for environmental durability. The SOTEN also features a one-touch swappable camera system, supporting five different payloads, including standard, zoom, multispectral, and two advanced FLIR thermal imaging options.
The collaboration also includes the TENSO Smart Controller, an industrial-grade device integrated with ACSL’s TAKEOFF ground control system. It offers AES256-encrypted data transmission and is NDAA compliant, ensuring secure operations for industries with strict data requirements. Both companies expressed strong enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the alignment of their goals and the potential to expand access to innovative drone technologies across the US through Drone Nerds’ established sales network.
Source
AI Drone Speeds Up Wildfire Detection
Dryad Networks, a company specializing in early wildfire detection, has unveiled a new AI-based drone called Silvaguard that aims to improve the speed and accuracy of wildfire monitoring. Introduced in Eberswalde, Germany, the drone is designed to work in tandem with Dryad’s existing Silvanet system, which uses solar-powered gas sensors to detect wildfires at the smoldering stage.
Each sensor can cover an area the size of a football field and is mounted on trees. When a fire is detected, the system triggers the Silvaguard drone to autonomously fly to the site and provide infrared and optical video footage of the fire’s location. The drone’s ability to deliver real-time images and geographic coordinates will allow firefighters to respond more effectively by understanding the fire's size and direction.
Although the Silvaguard drone is still awaiting regulatory approval for commercial use, Dryad Networks’ CEO Carsten Brinkschulte emphasized the urgency of early detection, noting that in wildfire situations, “you cannot be fast enough.” The integration of AI, gas sensors, and autonomous drones marks a significant advancement in wildfire response technology amid growing global fire threats fueled by climate change.
Source
Maxar Unveils GPS-Free Navigation System for Drones
Maxar Intelligence has unveiled a new visual-based navigation software called Raptor, designed to enable drones to operate in environments where GPS is unavailable. Instead of relying on satellite signals, Raptor uses real-time camera feeds and compares them to detailed 3D terrain models derived from Maxar’s satellite imagery to determine a drone's location and orientation.
The system comprises three components: software onboard the drone for live positioning, a tool to align video feeds with terrain data, and a laptop-based interface that helps operators extract precise coordinates. The 3D data can be updated regularly, tailored to customer needs. Raptor leverages technology acquired from 3D geospatial firm Vricon and expands Maxar’s offerings beyond satellite imagery into specialized software solutions.
It supports a range of applications, including defense and security, by enabling interoperability between drones from different manufacturers and allowing autonomous systems to share navigational data. This vendor-agnostic approach to coordinate generation facilitates more effective collaboration on networked battlefields. Raptor has been tested with beta customers and marks a strategic pivot for Maxar toward delivering software tools that utilize its vast satellite data resources.
Source
Navy Deploys New Anti-Drone Systems to Cut Missile Costs
The US Navy is taking steps to address the rising costs of countering Houthi drone threats from Yemen by deploying two new experimental systems—the Roadrunner and Coyote—on destroyers accompanying the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group later this summer.
These systems, originally developed for land-based use, are now adapted for maritime environments and designed to more cost-effectively intercept unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as an alternative to using multimillion-dollar missiles like the SM-2, which have been frequently employed in past engagements. Over 15 months, the Navy fired more than 220 missiles—costing well over $500 million—to combat drone threats, sparking concerns over the unsustainable "cost-curve" of using expensive missiles on cheaper targets.
In addition to adopting the new interceptor systems, the Navy is reevaluating its engagement tactics to optimize missile use and conserve high-end munitions for more significant threats. Leaders emphasize that the shift isn't just about cutting costs but about preserving vital missile inventories for future conflicts.
While the Navy continues to explore other alternatives like laser-based weapons—which have yet to scale effectively—it is also relying more on traditional deck guns for drone defense. Nevertheless, officials maintain that warship commanders should continue to focus on mission effectiveness rather than the price of munitions, reinforcing that readiness and protection remain top priorities.
Source
Ukraine Building Unjammable Drones to Outsmart Electronic Warfare
Inside a small, unassuming facility in Kyiv, the Ukrainian company 3DTech is producing explosive-laden FPV drones to support the country’s defense against Russia. 3DTech makes both radio-controlled and fiber-optic drones, the latter offering better resistance to Russian electronic jamming. The drones are built, tested, and outfitted with simulated warheads before being shipped to the front lines via military contracts or charities. With production expected to hit 1,200 drones in March—half of them fiber-optic—3DTech is playing a crucial role in Ukraine’s rapidly expanding, decentralized arms industry.
The company’s staff works daily to produce drones in various sizes, assembling frames, printing fiber-optic spools, and performing video signal and motor quality tests. Fiber-optic drones, which can travel over 15 miles carrying multiple pounds of explosives, are assembled in-house using some parts sourced from China. The drones are then tested in realistic field conditions outside Kyiv. 3DTech’s chief engineer emphasized that while technology is teachable, finding and training skilled talent is the biggest challenge.
As Ukraine plans to purchase 4.5 million FPV drones in 2025, companies like 3DTech have become vital to the country’s war effort, demonstrating the strategic importance of engineers and local innovation on the battlefield.
Source
Discover More with Flight Reader
Unleash the full potential of your DJI drone flight logs. Flight Reader gives you access to more detailed data than any other app—all while keeping your logs secure and offline.
Try it free today!
