Discover the history of drones, from the 1849 Austrian balloon bombs and the 1917 Aerial Target to the 1935 Queen Bee target aircraft.


Discover the history of drones, from the 1849 Austrian balloon bombs and the 1917 Aerial Target to the 1935 Queen Bee target aircraft.

‘Drones are older than you think’: When was the first drone invented?

With the advent of time in the drone age, electronic warfare has become considerably more capable than public commentary typically acknowledges. Along with electronic warfare, armour, fortifications, missile defences, electronic warfare and deception have preserved combat power by preserving the force’s freedom to act. This has not only prepared soldiers for potential war, but has also given the military a purpose: to preserve freedom of action through manoeuvrability and to fight in a way that imposes their will. For over a hundred years, different nation always planned and built their militaries with quantity, equipping foot soldiers with body armour so that they could keep fighting even under direct engagement. Later, after armour got technically advanced, equipment to launch in the air or on land was fitted with heavier plating and active defence systems to keep moving while taking fire. In addition, Naval vessels were designed with multiple layers of missile defence so they could function in hostile waters. Now, all the war from face-to-face or without human presence in the armour's launcher, it has shifted to drone technology, reshaping the modern battlefield. Defence industry leaders noted that electronic warfare has moved from a supporting function to a core pillar of national security. In India, the push for indigenous technology has become central to staying ahead of the threat. The rise of cheap, commercially available drone technology has fundamentally altered the calculus of conflict. Capabilities that once demanded expensive missile systems or manned aircraft can now be replicated with a few thousand dollars of off-the-shelf hardware, giving smaller forces and non-state actors access to surveillance, precision-strike, and electronic-warfare capabilities once reserved for major militaries. Industry estimates peg the global military drone market to reach $80–90 billion in annual revenue by 2030.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-exclusive-how-energy-productivity-can-power-india-s-next-phase-of-industrial-growth-1786784297557">WION Exclusive: How can energy productivity power India’s next phase of industrial growth</a><h3>Experts on the rise of drone technology</h3>Reacting to the drone capabilities, "Amardeep Singh, Founder &amp; CEO, Armory," The nature of modern conflict has changed, and the proliferation of drones is at the centre of that shift. What used to require expensive missiles or manned aircraft can now be achieved with a few thousand dollars’ worth of commercial hardware. Today's battlefield is defined by intelligent, low-cost, and highly adaptable unmanned systems capable of surveillance, targeting, precision strikes, and electronic warfare. The global military drone market is projected to generate annual revenues of USD 80-90 billion by 2030. As drones become more sophisticated through frequency-hopping communication, encrypted data links, GPS-denied navigation, and increasingly autonomous flight modes that do not rely on a live signal to the operator at all, counter-drone technologies must evolve even faster to catch up with it all. A hostile drone can go from being detected to causing damage in under a minute. Electronic Warfare systems have to detect, classify, and respond within that same narrow window, putting enormous pressure on the speed of decision-making architecture." "Addressing these evolving threats requires complete ownership of the technology stack rather than dependence on imported subsystems. By designing, developing, and manufacturing our counter-drone systems entirely in Bharat, we, at Armoury, have built the agility to rapidly prototype, test, and deploy new capabilities based on real-time operational feedback. Our flagship system, SURGE, progressed from concept to a fully operational counter-drone platform in just six months, while our AI-driven operating architecture, Samaritan OS, enables autonomous threat detection, analysis, and precision response. As India strengthens its defence capabilities, building sovereign electronic warfare technologies will be essential not only for safeguarding military assets and critical infrastructure but also for positioning the country as a global leader in next-generation defence systems. The future of drone defence will belong to nations that can innovate faster than the threats they face," Singh added. Venkatesh Sai, Founder &amp; CTO of ZUPPA Geo Navigation Technologies, echoed the sentiment about the drones, considering them more valuable and more dangerous after they grow more autonomous and widely accessible. He stated that modern defence forces can no longer rely on simply detecting an incoming drone; they need the ability to identify, track, analyse, and respond in real time. He noted that electronic warfare allows forces to monitor the electromagnetic spectrum and disrupt hostile signals without depending solely on conventional weapons, allowing them to skip unnecessary escalation. Venkatesh Sai said, "The advanced evolution of drone technology has transformed the way nations approach security and modern warfare. Drones have become more intelligent, autonomous, and widely available, making them valuable assets on one hand and potential threats on the other. As this landscape continues to evolve, electronic warfare has become one of the most critical capabilities for ensuring mission success and national security. In today's operational environment, it is no longer enough to simply detect an incoming drone. Defence forces must be able to identify, track, analyse, and respond to threats quickly and accurately. Electronic warfare provides that capability by enabling forces to monitor the electromagnetic spectrum, disrupt hostile communications, and counter drone threats without relying solely on conventional weapons. This not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces the risk of unnecessary escalation." "At Zuppa, we believe that the future of defence lies in building intelligent, secure, and resilient technologies that can adapt to changing battlefield conditions. As drone systems become more advanced, it is equally important to develop electronic warfare solutions that are agile, reliable, and capable of protecting critical assets in real time. Innovation in this space will play a defining role in strengthening defence preparedness. India has made significant progress in developing indigenous defence technologies, and electronic warfare will remain a key focus area as the country advances towards greater self-reliance. Building homegrown capabilities in this domain will not only strengthen national security but also position India as a global technology leader in next-generation defence solutions. The future battlefield will be shaped by information, speed, and technological superiority. Electronic warfare is no longer a supporting capability; now it has become a strategic necessity. By investing in innovation and indigenous technologies today, we can build a safer, stronger, and more secure tomorrow," he added.&nbsp;

The rise of cheap, commercially available drone technology has fundamentally altered the calculus of conflict. Capabilities that once demanded expensive missile systems or manned aircraft can now be replicated with a few thousand dollars of off-the-shelf hardware.

With the advent of time in the drone age, electronic warfare has become considerably more capable than public commentary typically acknowledges. Along with electronic warfare, armour, fortifications, missile defences, electronic warfare and deception have preserved combat power by preserving the force’s freedom to act. This has not only prepared soldiers for potential war, but has also given the military a purpose: to preserve freedom of action through manoeuvrability and to fight in a way that imposes their will. For over a hundred years, different nation always planned and built their militaries with quantity, equipping foot soldiers with body armour so that they could keep fighting even under direct engagement. Later, after armour got technically advanced, equipment to launch in the air or on land was fitted with heavier plating and active defence systems to keep moving while taking fire. In addition, Naval vessels were designed with multiple layers of missile defence so they could function in hostile waters. Now, all the war from face-to-face or without human presence in the armour's launcher, it has shifted to drone technology, reshaping the modern battlefield. Defence industry leaders noted that electronic warfare has moved from a supporting function to a core pillar of national security. In India, the push for indigenous technology has become central to staying ahead of the threat. The rise of cheap, commercially available drone technology has fundamentally altered the calculus of conflict. Capabilities that once demanded expensive missile systems or manned aircraft can now be replicated with a few thousand dollars of off-the-shelf hardware, giving smaller forces and non-state actors access to surveillance, precision-strike, and electronic-warfare capabilities once reserved for major militaries. Industry estimates peg the global military drone market to reach $80–90 billion in annual revenue by 2030. Also read: WION Exclusive: How can energy productivity power India’s next phase of industrial growth Experts on the rise of drone technology Reacting to the drone capabilities, "Amardeep Singh, Founder & CEO, Armory," The nature of modern conflict has changed, and the proliferation of drones is at the centre of that shift. What used to require expensive missiles or manned aircraft can now be achieved with a few thousand dollars’ worth of commercial hardware. Today's battlefield is defined by intelligent, low-cost, and highly adaptable unmanned systems capable of surveillance, targeting, precision strikes, and electronic warfare. The global military drone market is projected to generate annual revenues of USD 80-90 billion by 2030. As drones become more sophisticated through frequency-hopping communication, encrypted data links, GPS-denied navigation, and increasingly autonomous flight modes that do not rely on a live signal to the operator at all, counter-drone technologies must evolve even faster to catch up with it all. A hostile drone can go from being detected to causing damage in under a minute. Electronic Warfare systems have to detect, classify, and respond within that same narrow window, putting enormous pressure on the speed of decision-making architecture." "Addressing these evolving threats requires complete ownership of the technology stack rather than dependence on imported subsystems. By designing, developing, and manufacturing our counter-drone systems entirely in Bharat, we, at Armoury, have built the agility to rapidly prototype, test, and deploy new capabilities based on real-time operational feedback. Our flagship system, SURGE, progressed from concept to a fully operational counter-drone platform in just six months, while our AI-driven operating architecture, Samaritan OS, enables autonomous threat detection, analysis, and precision response. As India strengthens its defence capabilities, building sovereign electronic warfare technologies will be essential not only for safeguarding military assets and critical infrastructure but also for positioning the country as a global leader in next-generation defence systems. The future of drone defence will belong to nations that can innovate faster than the threats they face," Singh added. Venkatesh Sai, Founder & CTO of ZUPPA Geo Navigation Technologies, echoed the sentiment about the drones, considering them more valuable and more dangerous after they grow more autonomous and widely accessible. He stated that modern defence forces can no longer rely on simply detecting an incoming drone; they need the ability to identify, track, analyse, and respond in real time. He noted that electronic warfare allows forces to monitor the electromagnetic spectrum and disrupt hostile signals without depending solely on conventional weapons, allowing them to skip unnecessary escalation. Venkatesh Sai said, "The advanced evolution of drone technology has transformed the way nations approach security and modern warfare. Drones have become more intelligent, autonomous, and widely available, making them valuable assets on one hand and potential threats on the other. As this landscape continues to evolve, electronic warfare has become one of the most critical capabilities for ensuring mission success and national security. In today's operational environment, it is no longer enough to simply detect an incoming drone. Defence forces must be able to identify, track, analyse, and respond to threats quickly and accurately. Electronic warfare provides that capability by enabling forces to monitor the electromagnetic spectrum, disrupt hostile communications, and counter drone threats without relying solely on conventional weapons. This not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces the risk of unnecessary escalation." "At Zuppa, we believe that the future of defence lies in building intelligent, secure, and resilient technologies that can adapt to changing battlefield conditions. As drone systems become more advanced, it is equally important to develop electronic warfare solutions that are agile, reliable, and capable of protecting critical assets in real time. Innovation in this space will play a defining role in strengthening defence preparedness. India has made significant progress in developing indigenous defence technologies, and electronic warfare will remain a key focus area as the country advances towards greater self-reliance. Building homegrown capabilities in this domain will not only strengthen national security but also position India as a global technology leader in next-generation defence solutions. The future battlefield will be shaped by information, speed, and technological superiority. Electronic warfare is no longer a supporting capability; now it has become a strategic necessity. By investing in innovation and indigenous technologies today, we can build a safer, stronger, and more secure tomorrow," he added.

The rise of cheap, commercially available drone technology has fundamentally altered the calculus of conflict. Capabilities that once demanded expensive missile systems or manned aircraft can now be replicated with a few thousand dollars of off-the-shelf hardware.

The growing importance of electronic warfare in the drone age: WION Exclusive

During the ongoing joint military exercise between India and the United States in Auli, Uttarakhand, the Indian Army demonstrated a unique weapon from their armoury- a trained eagle that can shoot down drones!&nbsp;

This step is being taken at a time when there are multiple threats of attack drones on&nbsp;the border of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan. Many reports in the past have suggested that these drones also smuggle drugs and weapons through the border into Indian states.&nbsp;

The initiative of training these predator birds is started by the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) in Meerut. They are training black eagles and falcons to take down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones in the air.

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“Spread your wings and fly high, for you are destined to touch the sky.”<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FearlessFriday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FearlessFriday</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InStrideWithTheFuture?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InStrideWithTheFuture</a> <a href="https://t.co/NTUcouuCb2">pic.twitter.com/NTUcouuCb2</a>
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One such trained bird named "Arjun" was recently showcased by the Indian Army in video footage, in which the bird can be seen sitting on the hand of a soldier, and then locating an on-air target accurately before it starts encircling the enemy drone.

"The eagles have taken down several hundred of them (quadcopters) in training, at times destroying them completely. Since these are quadcopters, none of the eagles have been injured so far”, said a source in the defence establishment.

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The Eagles are not only capable to work in isolation but can also coordinate and provide assistance to their canine friends. The Indian Army also demonstrated a real-world scenario in which the dog alerts the soldier to the danger posed by the drone after hearing its sound and the eagle determined the precise location of the enemy drone and encircles it while it is in the air.

There are reports that RVC is also training these birds for surveillance and monitoring by fitting cameras to their heads to record videos. As drones are becoming an irreplaceable weapon in global warfare in both offensive and defensive operations, it is crucial to invest in high-tech drone technology. But training eagles to attack drones is a low-tech solution to the high-tech drone problem.&nbsp;

According to reports, these efforts are in the training phase and the eagles have not been deployed yet in any operations yet.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

During the ongoing joint military exercise between India and the United States in Auli, Uttarakhand, the Indian Army demonstrated a unique weapon from their armoury- a trained eagle that can shoot down drones!

During the ongoing joint military exercise between India and the United States in Auli, Uttarakhand, the Indian Army demonstrated a unique weapon from their armoury- a trained eagle that can shoot down drones! This step is being taken at a time when there are multiple threats of attack drones on the border of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan. Many reports in the past have suggested that these drones also smuggle drugs and weapons through the border into Indian states. The initiative of training these predator birds is started by the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) in Meerut. They are training black eagles and falcons to take down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones in the air. #YudhAbhyas “Spread your wings and fly high, for you are destined to touch the sky.”#FearlessFriday#InStrideWithTheFuture pic.twitter.com/NTUcouuCb2 — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 2, 2022 × One such trained bird named "Arjun" was recently showcased by the Indian Army in video footage, in which the bird can be seen sitting on the hand of a soldier, and then locating an on-air target accurately before it starts encircling the enemy drone. "The eagles have taken down several hundred of them (quadcopters) in training, at times destroying them completely. Since these are quadcopters, none of the eagles have been injured so far”, said a source in the defence establishment. Also Read | Indians abroad to send home record $100bn in remittances The Eagles are not only capable to work in isolation but can also coordinate and provide assistance to their canine friends. The Indian Army also demonstrated a real-world scenario in which the dog alerts the soldier to the danger posed by the drone after hearing its sound and the eagle determined the precise location of the enemy drone and encircles it while it is in the air. There are reports that RVC is also training these birds for surveillance and monitoring by fitting cameras to their heads to record videos. As drones are becoming an irreplaceable weapon in global warfare in both offensive and defensive operations, it is crucial to invest in high-tech drone technology. But training eagles to attack drones is a low-tech solution to the high-tech drone problem. According to reports, these efforts are in the training phase and the eagles have not been deployed yet in any operations yet.

It's a plane, it's a drone, no it's a bird: Indian Army's new anti-drone weapon

To help the farming community of Jammu and Kashmir, the Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agriculture and Science Technology (SKUAST) and&nbsp;the Government of Jammu and Kashmir have introduced high-tech drones to spray chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides in the orchards.&nbsp;

This technology will help the farming community of the region and lower the costs. From manual labour to minimal usage of chemicals and saving time, this technology could be a great help for the farmers of the Kashmir Valley. The government says that if the farmers adopt technology, it will help in increasing economic productivity, reducing environmental pollution and attracting youth to agriculture.

''The agriculture university of Kashmir is now working with the government of Jammu and Kashmir about the modernisation of agriculture, it includes bringing in new technologies. We would also include Artificial Intelligence. We have today introduced drones for spraying of pesticides and fertilizers in our orchards, conventionally we are using excessive use of chemicals, 90 per cent of all the chemicals used in Jammu and Kashmir are sprayed on these orchards."

Using drones will bring down the percentage of pesticides by around 90 per cent. We will also be reducing the labour cost. It would be more precise with a mist spray. We are sure we will be taking agriculture to the next level with the support of the government,'' said Nazir Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST. &nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir has&nbsp;around one lakh sixty thousand hectares of land under horticulture and over 20 lakh metric tonnes of fruit are grown every year. Around 8 per cent of the economy of the Union Territory is contributed by horticulture.&nbsp;

''Horticulture is the backbone of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, It is around 15 thousand crore rupees (Rs 150 billion), and we believe there is potential to increase it to four times. It won't happen without technology. Drone technology is one aspect,&nbsp;we are also bringing Artificial Intelligence.&nbsp;We are collecting data on how it's spraying the pesticides, at what height, and whether the mist it is spraying is sufficient for the requirement of the plant. We are collecting all the data and by next year we will be able to give it to farmers for use,'' said Vice Chancellor Ahmad. &nbsp;

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The drones are not fitted with a camera yet due to security reasons. But SKUAST is working with the government and will soon be fitting a spectrum camera which will detect the disease of the plant and spray it with exactly the kind of chemical to treat the disease. Using this technology will save 90 per cent of the chemicals which will be great for the environment and also good for health.&nbsp;

''Our drone is called Agri boat.&nbsp;It is the first drone approved by DGCA. It is designed for 10 litres of liquid that will be sprayed over one acre of land. The battery life is around 20 minutes per charge. It can cover up to one hectare of land per battery charge. A farmer can save around 90 per cent of water, generally, it takes three hours for an acre of land and that too with a team of labourers, so if we compare this is less time-consuming and needs much lower manual labour. The second is human contact with chemicals would be much lesser,'' said Dheeraj Yadav, engineer.&nbsp;

The farming community of the Kashmir region has hailed the initiative and demanded that drones be made available soon.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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To help the farming community of Jammu and Kashmir, the Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agriculture and Science Technology (SKUAST) and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir have introduced high-tech drones to spray chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides in the orchards.

To help the farming community of Jammu and Kashmir, the Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agriculture and Science Technology (SKUAST) and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir have introduced high-tech drones to spray chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides in the orchards. This technology will help the farming community of the region and lower the costs. From manual labour to minimal usage of chemicals and saving time, this technology could be a great help for the farmers of the Kashmir Valley. The government says that if the farmers adopt technology, it will help in increasing economic productivity, reducing environmental pollution and attracting youth to agriculture. ''The agriculture university of Kashmir is now working with the government of Jammu and Kashmir about the modernisation of agriculture, it includes bringing in new technologies. We would also include Artificial Intelligence. We have today introduced drones for spraying of pesticides and fertilizers in our orchards, conventionally we are using excessive use of chemicals, 90 per cent of all the chemicals used in Jammu and Kashmir are sprayed on these orchards." Using drones will bring down the percentage of pesticides by around 90 per cent. We will also be reducing the labour cost. It would be more precise with a mist spray. We are sure we will be taking agriculture to the next level with the support of the government,'' said Nazir Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST. Jammu and Kashmir has around one lakh sixty thousand hectares of land under horticulture and over 20 lakh metric tonnes of fruit are grown every year. Around 8 per cent of the economy of the Union Territory is contributed by horticulture. ''Horticulture is the backbone of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, It is around 15 thousand crore rupees (Rs 150 billion), and we believe there is potential to increase it to four times. It won't happen without technology. Drone technology is one aspect, we are also bringing Artificial Intelligence. We are collecting data on how it's spraying the pesticides, at what height, and whether the mist it is spraying is sufficient for the requirement of the plant. We are collecting all the data and by next year we will be able to give it to farmers for use,'' said Vice Chancellor Ahmad. Also Read: Over 200 female athletes trained in water sports with a goal to represent India The drones are not fitted with a camera yet due to security reasons. But SKUAST is working with the government and will soon be fitting a spectrum camera which will detect the disease of the plant and spray it with exactly the kind of chemical to treat the disease. Using this technology will save 90 per cent of the chemicals which will be great for the environment and also good for health. ''Our drone is called Agri boat. It is the first drone approved by DGCA. It is designed for 10 litres of liquid that will be sprayed over one acre of land. The battery life is around 20 minutes per charge. It can cover up to one hectare of land per battery charge. A farmer can save around 90 per cent of water, generally, it takes three hours for an acre of land and that too with a team of labourers, so if we compare this is less time-consuming and needs much lower manual labour. The second is human contact with chemicals would be much lesser,'' said Dheeraj Yadav, engineer. The farming community of the Kashmir region has hailed the initiative and demanded that drones be made available soon.

J&K government introduces drones for spraying fertilisers, pesticides in orchards

By creating the nation’s most sophisticated drone in 2020, Indo Wings, one of India’s top drone manufacturing companies, has put India in the limelight. Once again exceeding its own expectations, the company has developed one of the most advanced agricultural drones that will help small-scale farmers and agriculture businesses in 2022. Paras Jian, CEO of the company, is a strong supporter of innovation. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was present when Indo Wings were introduced at the Drone International Expo in New Delhi. The drone uses unique CCMS spraying technology to provide 360-degree leaf coverage. The drone has the potential for ultra-wide-eyed cameras to react to objects in real-time as a human would.

During the launch, the CEO said, "Our world-class manufacturing unit located in Noida, serves as the gateway to India for Global drone companies, also we master the drone technology and develop generation 4 products to serve the demands of the nation," ANI reported.

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Additionally, it has 90-degree changeable terrain following capability, obstacle avoidance technology, and radar sensors. Moreover, even in the most complicated surroundings, its AI system eliminates the need for a survey or a 3D model. Lastly, its vision-based navigation system ensures that the drone will continue to fly for 2 minutes even if communications are lost in a distant area. This drone’s features and 20L spraying techniques are essential for India’s mountainous and steep environment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-government-is-drafting-new-privacy-bill-says-it-minister-ashwini-vaishnaw-503400">Modi government is drafting new privacy bill, says IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw</a>

It’s a marvel for spraying exported goods like apples, grapes, oranges, and mangoes as well as crops, citrus fields, and other agricultural commodities.

Indo Wings has demonstrated its ability to stay on top of its game while advancing its technology and innovation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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By creating the nation’s most sophisticated drone in 2020, Indo Wings, one of India’s top drone manufacturing companies, has put India in the limelight. Once again exceeding its own expectations, the company has developed one of the most advanced agricultural drones that will help small-scale farmers and agriculture businesses in 2022.

By creating the nation’s most sophisticated drone in 2020, Indo Wings, one of India’s top drone manufacturing companies, has put India in the limelight. Once again exceeding its own expectations, the company has developed one of the most advanced agricultural drones that will help small-scale farmers and agriculture businesses in 2022. Paras Jian, CEO of the company, is a strong supporter of innovation. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was present when Indo Wings were introduced at the Drone International Expo in New Delhi. The drone uses unique CCMS spraying technology to provide 360-degree leaf coverage. The drone has the potential for ultra-wide-eyed cameras to react to objects in real-time as a human would. During the launch, the CEO said, "Our world-class manufacturing unit located in Noida, serves as the gateway to India for Global drone companies, also we master the drone technology and develop generation 4 products to serve the demands of the nation," ANI reported. Also read | Kerala man on 3,511 kilometres skateboarding trip, meets tragic end in a hit and run accident Additionally, it has 90-degree changeable terrain following capability, obstacle avoidance technology, and radar sensors. Moreover, even in the most complicated surroundings, its AI system eliminates the need for a survey or a 3D model. Lastly, its vision-based navigation system ensures that the drone will continue to fly for 2 minutes even if communications are lost in a distant area. This drone’s features and 20L spraying techniques are essential for India’s mountainous and steep environment. Also read | Modi government is drafting new privacy bill, says IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw It’s a marvel for spraying exported goods like apples, grapes, oranges, and mangoes as well as crops, citrus fields, and other agricultural commodities. Indo Wings has demonstrated its ability to stay on top of its game while advancing its technology and innovation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indo Wings unveils world’s most advanced agricultural drone technology

Drone package delivery takes off in Israel’s Tel Aviv. The technology is capable of flying several metres. Drones can deliver containers from one place to another. Drones can land at a special mailing distribution facility that automatically intercepts package and distributes it to mailbox. The technology also sends an email to recipient informing them about their delivery. A link would enable recipients to open mailbox when in close proximity.

Israel: Delivery drones in Tel Aviv can automatically intercept packages

The age of 'killer robots' is upon us. Several countries are relying on autonomous weapons for warfare with drones becoming a defining feature. But like any other weapon, drone technology is proving to be a double-edged sword. Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: Drones are transforming modern warfare

Pretty much every state in India has tested and operated drones to serve various purposes including mapping, industrial inspection, crop spraying, aerial surveying, search and rescue. But&nbsp;in the non-contact era that the pandemic has thrown the world into, drones are offering wide-ranging solutions to many challenges faced by governments.&nbsp;

Chennai-based Garuda aerospace has provided their drone services to bolster the COVID-19 fight of over 10 states across India, including Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh. On a paid basis, police departments in big cities have sought their services for implementing strict lockdowns by mounting surveillance from above, whereas health departments have used drones to disinfect vast areas in a quick span.&nbsp;

Over the next five days, their firm is also testing feasibility of drones for sanitisation and delivery in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency. Garuda’s drones have so far successfully demonstrated their capabilities and performed roles such as sanitisation, loudspeaker announcements, industrial inspection, mapping, pesticide spraying, tunnel inspection, delivery etc.&nbsp;

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According to the company, they have received feedback that the technology is very promising, given its rapid and non-contact nature. However, the economic feasibility of sustained drone operations is being worked on. In the present scenario where big cities are under lockdown, drones are also able to prove their mettle in congested areas, as opposed to trials in rural and open spaces. Notably, their drones demonstrated the delivery of essentials and medicines at the staff quarters in India’s Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, where COVID-19 positive residents were home quarantined.

Speaking of their drone fleet, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder, Garuda Aerospace told Zee Media that they have 300 drones and 150 pilots stationed across 26 cities, besides 45 core technicians for undertaking repairs in majors zonal centres. “We plan to have 1200-1500 drones (almost five&nbsp;times current capacity) in operation over the next six months, because that’s how high the demand is. Garuda is presently valued at a $100 million and are raising funds from venture capitalists abroad, by the end of 2022 we hope to be a unicorn (firm with $1 billion valuation) in the drone-as-a-service sector.”

When asked abut the competition that they foresee, he says that most companies in the sector manufacture and sell drones, whereas Garuda aims to provide the service on demand, thus saving the users from licensing, maintenance related challenges. According to Agnishwar, the firm is also seeing heightened demand from the European market as the cost of operating and flying a Garuda drone is said to be about one-eighth the cost of doing the same with a foreign variant.&nbsp;

Pretty much every state in India has tested and operated drones to serve various purposes including mapping, industrial inspection, crop spraying, aerial surveying, search and rescue.

Pretty much every state in India has tested and operated drones to serve various purposes including mapping, industrial inspection, crop spraying, aerial surveying, search and rescue. But in the non-contact era that the pandemic has thrown the world into, drones are offering wide-ranging solutions to many challenges faced by governments. Chennai-based Garuda aerospace has provided their drone services to bolster the COVID-19 fight of over 10 states across India, including Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh. On a paid basis, police departments in big cities have sought their services for implementing strict lockdowns by mounting surveillance from above, whereas health departments have used drones to disinfect vast areas in a quick span. Over the next five days, their firm is also testing feasibility of drones for sanitisation and delivery in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency. Garuda’s drones have so far successfully demonstrated their capabilities and performed roles such as sanitisation, loudspeaker announcements, industrial inspection, mapping, pesticide spraying, tunnel inspection, delivery etc. According to the company, they have received feedback that the technology is very promising, given its rapid and non-contact nature. However, the economic feasibility of sustained drone operations is being worked on. In the present scenario where big cities are under lockdown, drones are also able to prove their mettle in congested areas, as opposed to trials in rural and open spaces. Notably, their drones demonstrated the delivery of essentials and medicines at the staff quarters in India’s Spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, where COVID-19 positive residents were home quarantined. Speaking of their drone fleet, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder, Garuda Aerospace told Zee Media that they have 300 drones and 150 pilots stationed across 26 cities, besides 45 core technicians for undertaking repairs in majors zonal centres. “We plan to have 1200-1500 drones (almost five times current capacity) in operation over the next six months, because that’s how high the demand is. Garuda is presently valued at a $100 million and are raising funds from venture capitalists abroad, by the end of 2022 we hope to be a unicorn (firm with $1 billion valuation) in the drone-as-a-service sector.” When asked abut the competition that they foresee, he says that most companies in the sector manufacture and sell drones, whereas Garuda aims to provide the service on demand, thus saving the users from licensing, maintenance related challenges. According to Agnishwar, the firm is also seeing heightened demand from the European market as the cost of operating and flying a Garuda drone is said to be about one-eighth the cost of doing the same with a foreign variant.

Indian drone company Garuda Aerospace looking forward to $1 billion valuation by end-2022

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish President protested against Canada's suspension of drone technology export to Turkey. Erdogan said that the move by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was not in the spirit of the alliance. Erdogan was quoted by his office.

Earlier this month Canada suspended export of drone technology to Turkey as it probed allegations that the equipment was used by Azeri forces against Armenia. Azerbaijan and Armenia are currently locked in conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh region.

On Friday, Erdogan and Trudeau discussed improving relations and increasing bilateral trade, the Turkish presidency said, adding that they also talked about overcoming issues about co-operation in defense sector.

"During the call, President Tayyip Erdogan said Canada`s suspension of the export of some military goods to Turkey due to the Azerbajian-Armenia conflict... is against the spirit of alliance," the presidency said. 
Turkey and Canada are both members of NATO.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry has been strong in its response to Canada's decision. The ministry said that suspension showed a double standard.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-cyprus-told-to-wait-for-eu-action-on-provocative-turkey-335867">Greece, Cyprus told to wait for EU action on 'provocative' Turkey</a> 
 
Turkey`s military exports to its ally Azerbaijan have risen six-fold this year, with sales of drones and other military equipment rising to $77 million last month alone before fighting broke out over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, according to exports data.

Canadian arms control group Project Ploughshares says video of airstrikes released by Azerbaijan indicates the drones had been equipped with imaging and targeting systems made by L3Harris Wescam, the Canada-based unit of L3Harris Technologies Inc .

Ankara has said it stands firmly beside its close ally in the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

(With Reuters inputs)

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish President protested against Canada's suspension of drone technology export to Turkey. Erdogan said that the move by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was not in the spirit of the alliance.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish President protested against Canada's suspension of drone technology export to Turkey. Erdogan said that the move by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was not in the spirit of the alliance. Erdogan was quoted by his office. Earlier this month Canada suspended export of drone technology to Turkey as it probed allegations that the equipment was used by Azeri forces against Armenia. Azerbaijan and Armenia are currently locked in conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh region. On Friday, Erdogan and Trudeau discussed improving relations and increasing bilateral trade, the Turkish presidency said, adding that they also talked about overcoming issues about co-operation in defense sector. "During the call, President Tayyip Erdogan said Canada`s suspension of the export of some military goods to Turkey due to the Azerbajian-Armenia conflict... is against the spirit of alliance," the presidency said. Turkey and Canada are both members of NATO. Turkey's Foreign Ministry has been strong in its response to Canada's decision. The ministry said that suspension showed a double standard. Also Read | Greece, Cyprus told to wait for EU action on 'provocative' Turkey Turkey`s military exports to its ally Azerbaijan have risen six-fold this year, with sales of drones and other military equipment rising to $77 million last month alone before fighting broke out over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, according to exports data. Canadian arms control group Project Ploughshares says video of airstrikes released by Azerbaijan indicates the drones had been equipped with imaging and targeting systems made by L3Harris Wescam, the Canada-based unit of L3Harris Technologies Inc . Ankara has said it stands firmly beside its close ally in the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. (With Reuters inputs)

Suspension of drone technology exports against alliance spirit: Erdogan to Trudeau

On Monday, the French armed forces claimed that it had carried out a drone strike during operations in Mali. It is said to have killed ''40 terrorists''', AFP reported.

Earlier on Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-says-french-forces-neutralise-over-30-terrorists-in-mali-269492">French President Emmanuel Macron</a> had announced that French forces had "neutralised" 33 jihadists in the central Malian region of Mopti. The operation allegedly ran overnight.&nbsp;

The French military's statement claimed that the drone strike happened during a follow-up operation Saturday in which seven more jihadist fighters were killed.

"[French forces] were attacked by a group of terrorists on motorbikes," when they were searching the combat zone in Ouagadou forest, 150 kilometres from the town of Mopti.

A Reaper drone and a French Mirage 2000 patrol opened fire to support the ground troops, the statement said.

"This is the first operational strike by an armed drone," the statement added.

Two days before the strike, the French army had announced that the testing of remotely-piloted drones for armed operations.

It has three drones, based near Niamey, the capital of Niger.

The operation at the weekend was in an area controlled by the Katiba Macina, a ruthless Islamist group founded by radical Mopti preacher Amadou Koufa.

Two Malian gendarmes who had been held hostage were freed, and French troops seized a number of armed vehicles, motorbikes and weaponry, "delivering a very heavy blow" to the jihadists, according to Monday's statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Monday, the French armed forces claimed that it had carried out a drone strike during operations in Mali. It is said to have killed ''40 terrorists''', AFP reported.

On Monday, the French armed forces claimed that it had carried out a drone strike during operations in Mali. It is said to have killed ''40 terrorists''', AFP reported. Earlier on Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron had announced that French forces had "neutralised" 33 jihadists in the central Malian region of Mopti. The operation allegedly ran overnight. The French military's statement claimed that the drone strike happened during a follow-up operation Saturday in which seven more jihadist fighters were killed. "[French forces] were attacked by a group of terrorists on motorbikes," when they were searching the combat zone in Ouagadou forest, 150 kilometres from the town of Mopti. A Reaper drone and a French Mirage 2000 patrol opened fire to support the ground troops, the statement said. "This is the first operational strike by an armed drone," the statement added. Two days before the strike, the French army had announced that the testing of remotely-piloted drones for armed operations. It has three drones, based near Niamey, the capital of Niger. The operation at the weekend was in an area controlled by the Katiba Macina, a ruthless Islamist group founded by radical Mopti preacher Amadou Koufa. Two Malian gendarmes who had been held hostage were freed, and French troops seized a number of armed vehicles, motorbikes and weaponry, "delivering a very heavy blow" to the jihadists, according to Monday's statement. (With inputs from agencies)

French army carries out first-ever drone strike during Mali operation

An Australian travel-blogging couple held in Iran on spying charges have been freed and returned home, authorities said Saturday, in a possible swap for an Iranian student&nbsp;wanted in the US.

Perth-based Jolie King and Mark Firkin had been documenting their journey from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-to-visit-india-in-january-calls-india-a-natural-partner-253636">Australia</a> to Britain on social media for the past two years but went silent after posting updates from Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan about three months ago.

The pair, who have tens of thousands of followers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, were alleged to have used a drone to take pictures of "military sites and forbidden areas", an Iranian judiciary spokesman said last month.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said they were released after "very sensitive negotiations" and had been reunited with their family in Australia.

"We are extremely happy and relieved&nbsp;to be safely back in Australia with those we love," the couple said in a statement issued by the foreign ministry in Canberra.

"While the past few months have been very difficult, we know it has also been tough for those back home who have been worried for us", they added.

Hours later, state media in Tehran said an Iranian student held in Australia for 13 months on accusations of circumventing US sanctions on military equipment had also been released and returned home.

Australia's attorney general Christian Porter confirmed in a statement that he had stopped&nbsp;the extradition of Reza Dehbashi to the United States.

But he dismissed "speculation" over the case, amid media reports including in the Sydney Morning Herald that it could be part of a prisoner swap involving the bloggers.

Porter declined to comment further "particularly when any such response from me may diminish our government's capacity to deal with future matters of this type in Australia's best interests."

State media in Tehran said Dehbashi, a PhD student at the University of Queensland, had been detained on allegations of "attempting to purchase and transfer advanced American military radar equipment via Dubai to Iran".

It said Dehbashi had dismissed the charges as "a misunderstanding".

Emotional reunion

An Iranian state channel showed footage of what it said was Dehbashi arriving at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport and hugging a tearful woman apparently from his family.

The Australian couple sought privacy, however.

They said in their statement that intense media coverage "may not be helpful" in the negotiations for the release of a third Australian detained in Iran in an unrelated case.

Melbourne University Academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who specialises in Middle East politics with a focus on Gulf states, had been detained for "some months" before King and Firkin were arrested.

Her case also came to light last month. Moore-Gilbert is accused by Iranian authorities of "spying for another country".

Negotiations over the fate of the university lecturer are "very long term", Payne said.

"She has been detained for some considerable time and has faced the Iranian legal system and has been convicted and sentenced," the minister said.

"We don't accept the charges on which she was convicted and we would seek to have her returned to Australia," Payne added, declining to comment further on the case.

Payne has maintained the cases of those detained were not related to diplomatic tensions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-australia-to-release-tamil-family-253223">Australia</a> said in August that it would join a US-led naval coalition to escort commercial ships in the Gulf, after a spate of attacks blamed on Iran but that Tehran denied.

However, that announcement is believed to have come after the arrests.

Prisoner swap proposal

News of the release of the King and Firkin comes just weeks after an Iranian woman arrested in Australia and sentenced in the United States was returned home.

Negar Ghodskani was sentenced last month in Minneapolis to 27 months in prison for violating sanctions against Tehran, but was released following time served in custody in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asked-australia-for-help-discrediting-russia-probe-252947">Australia and the United States</a>.

After her extradition to the US, she confessed to participation in a conspiracy to illegally export technology to Iran in breach of sanctions, according to the US Justice Department.

She was pregnant when she was arrested in 2017 in Australia where she was a legal resident. She gave birth while in Australian custody and her son was sent to Iran to live with his father.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in April floated a potential prisoner swap with a British-Iranian mother being held in Tehran.

He suggested exchanging Ghodskani for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, in jail in Tehran for alleged sedition.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe has also been separated from her daughter while in custody.

An Australian travel-blogging couple held in Iran on spying charges have been freed and returned home, authorities said Saturday, in a possible swap for an Iranian student wanted in the US.

An Australian travel-blogging couple held in Iran on spying charges have been freed and returned home, authorities said Saturday, in a possible swap for an Iranian student wanted in the US. Perth-based Jolie King and Mark Firkin had been documenting their journey from Australia to Britain on social media for the past two years but went silent after posting updates from Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan about three months ago. The pair, who have tens of thousands of followers on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, were alleged to have used a drone to take pictures of "military sites and forbidden areas", an Iranian judiciary spokesman said last month. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said they were released after "very sensitive negotiations" and had been reunited with their family in Australia. "We are extremely happy and relieved to be safely back in Australia with those we love," the couple said in a statement issued by the foreign ministry in Canberra. "While the past few months have been very difficult, we know it has also been tough for those back home who have been worried for us", they added. Hours later, state media in Tehran said an Iranian student held in Australia for 13 months on accusations of circumventing US sanctions on military equipment had also been released and returned home. Australia's attorney general Christian Porter confirmed in a statement that he had stopped the extradition of Reza Dehbashi to the United States. But he dismissed "speculation" over the case, amid media reports including in the Sydney Morning Herald that it could be part of a prisoner swap involving the bloggers. Porter declined to comment further "particularly when any such response from me may diminish our government's capacity to deal with future matters of this type in Australia's best interests." State media in Tehran said Dehbashi, a PhD student at the University of Queensland, had been detained on allegations of "attempting to purchase and transfer advanced American military radar equipment via Dubai to Iran". It said Dehbashi had dismissed the charges as "a misunderstanding". Emotional reunion An Iranian state channel showed footage of what it said was Dehbashi arriving at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport and hugging a tearful woman apparently from his family. The Australian couple sought privacy, however. They said in their statement that intense media coverage "may not be helpful" in the negotiations for the release of a third Australian detained in Iran in an unrelated case. Melbourne University Academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who specialises in Middle East politics with a focus on Gulf states, had been detained for "some months" before King and Firkin were arrested. Her case also came to light last month. Moore-Gilbert is accused by Iranian authorities of "spying for another country". Negotiations over the fate of the university lecturer are "very long term", Payne said. "She has been detained for some considerable time and has faced the Iranian legal system and has been convicted and sentenced," the minister said. "We don't accept the charges on which she was convicted and we would seek to have her returned to Australia," Payne added, declining to comment further on the case. Payne has maintained the cases of those detained were not related to diplomatic tensions. Australia said in August that it would join a US-led naval coalition to escort commercial ships in the Gulf, after a spate of attacks blamed on Iran but that Tehran denied. However, that announcement is believed to have come after the arrests. Prisoner swap proposal News of the release of the King and Firkin comes just weeks after an Iranian woman arrested in Australia and sentenced in the United States was returned home. Negar Ghodskani was sentenced last month in Minneapolis to 27 months in prison for violating sanctions against Tehran, but was released following time served in custody in Australia and the United States. After her extradition to the US, she confessed to participation in a conspiracy to illegally export technology to Iran in breach of sanctions, according to the US Justice Department. She was pregnant when she was arrested in 2017 in Australia where she was a legal resident. She gave birth while in Australian custody and her son was sent to Iran to live with his father. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in April floated a potential prisoner swap with a British-Iranian mother being held in Tehran. He suggested exchanging Ghodskani for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, in jail in Tehran for alleged sedition. Zaghari-Ratcliffe has also been separated from her daughter while in custody.

Australian bloggers return home after being held for spying charges in Iran

An Australian maker of drones used to spot sharks near surf beaches has partnered with online retailer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-tech-awakening-us-workers-at-google-amazon-join-climate-protests-250927">Amazon.com</a> Inc and other firms to create a drone service that could protect tourists from crocodiles in holiday destinations.

The project was initiated by the government of the northeastern state of Queensland after the privately-owned Ripper Group successfully used drones to identify sharks in the neighbouring state, New South Wales.

"It gives them a second set of eyes over the top of the human element to try and make it safer for crocodiles and the humans," Ben Trollope, the Chief Executive of Westpac Little Ripper drones, said in a telephone interview from Brisbane.

The Ripper Group has partnered with Amazon Web Services in developing the capability of the new drone service, including reducing delays in transmitting footage, Trollope added.

"Amazon have been vital... They've opened up their whole capability, which has allowed us to quickly get to somewhere that could have taken quite a long time", he said.

The drones use an algorithm created with the University of Technology in Sydney. According to developers, it can identify 16 different types of marine species and has an accuracy rate of 93 per cent.

The algorithm is adjusted to separate crocodiles from mangroves in northern Queensland's dense rainforest areas, a factor the ocean drones do not have to contend with.

"Everything is research for us. We're continually collecting data, teaching the algorithm to get smarter," Trollope added.

The drones featured at the World of Drones Congress in Brisbane on Thursday, where images were beamed in from a demonstration at a Queensland crocodile park.

Drone sponsor Westpac Bank, which has also sponsored drones that can both spot sharks and drop rescue devices to people in trouble since 2016, has sponsored rescue service helicopters for more than 40 years.

Queensland government data from January 2018 shows that four of 11 crocodile attacks since 2011 were fatal, including one in 2017 in the northern holiday area of Port Douglas.

An Australian maker of drones used to spot sharks near surf beaches has partnered with online retailer Amazon.com Inc and other firms to create a drone service that could protect tourists from crocodiles in holiday destinations.

An Australian maker of drones used to spot sharks near surf beaches has partnered with online retailer Amazon.com Inc and other firms to create a drone service that could protect tourists from crocodiles in holiday destinations. The project was initiated by the government of the northeastern state of Queensland after the privately-owned Ripper Group successfully used drones to identify sharks in the neighbouring state, New South Wales. "It gives them a second set of eyes over the top of the human element to try and make it safer for crocodiles and the humans," Ben Trollope, the Chief Executive of Westpac Little Ripper drones, said in a telephone interview from Brisbane. The Ripper Group has partnered with Amazon Web Services in developing the capability of the new drone service, including reducing delays in transmitting footage, Trollope added. "Amazon have been vital... They've opened up their whole capability, which has allowed us to quickly get to somewhere that could have taken quite a long time", he said. The drones use an algorithm created with the University of Technology in Sydney. According to developers, it can identify 16 different types of marine species and has an accuracy rate of 93 per cent. The algorithm is adjusted to separate crocodiles from mangroves in northern Queensland's dense rainforest areas, a factor the ocean drones do not have to contend with. "Everything is research for us. We're continually collecting data, teaching the algorithm to get smarter," Trollope added. The drones featured at the World of Drones Congress in Brisbane on Thursday, where images were beamed in from a demonstration at a Queensland crocodile park. Drone sponsor Westpac Bank, which has also sponsored drones that can both spot sharks and drop rescue devices to people in trouble since 2016, has sponsored rescue service helicopters for more than 40 years. Queensland government data from January 2018 shows that four of 11 crocodile attacks since 2011 were fatal, including one in 2017 in the northern holiday area of Port Douglas.

Amazon to save lives with drones capable of spotting crocodiles in Australia

Amazon announced on Monday plans to test delivery drone technology in Britain, as the US online commerce giant tries to advance the idea safely. 
 
The partnership aims to understand how drones can be used safely and reliably, and identify the regulations to put in place, it said in a statement. 
 
Amazon got British approval for three new types of tests: flying drones that are no longer within sight of their operators in rural and suburban areas; having one person operate several highly automated drones; and testing devices to make the drones able to identify and avoid obstacles. 
 
&quot;Britain is a leader in enabling drone innovation; we&#39;ve been investing in Prime Air research and development here for quite some time,&quot; said Paul Misener, Amazon&#39;s Vice President of Global Innovation Policy and Communications. 
 
&quot;This announcement strengthens our partnership with the UK and brings Amazon closer to our goal of using drones to safely deliver parcels in 30 minutes to customers in the UK and elsewhere around the world.&quot; 
 
Last month, the US Federal Aviation Administration unveiled long-awaited new rules that clear the way for small, commercial drones to operate across US airspace. 
 
Under the FAA&#39;s rules, drone operators will be allowed to fly commercial craft weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kilograms) during daylight hours, provided they can maintain a clear view of the drone at all times. 
 
While that effectively precludes the sort of robo-delivery services being developed by Amazon and other major vendors, the new rules will nonetheless ensure drones become increasingly commonplace in the skies. 
 
The White House cites industry estimates suggesting drones could generate more than $82 billion for the US economy over the coming decade, creating some 100,000 jobs. 
 
(AFP)

Amazon got British approval for three new types of tests. It is trying to advance the idea safely so that the drones can be used reliably

Amazon announced on Monday plans to test delivery drone technology in Britain, as the US online commerce giant tries to advance the idea safely. The partnership aims to understand how drones can be used safely and reliably, and identify the regulations to put in place, it said in a statement. Amazon got British approval for three new types of tests: flying drones that are no longer within sight of their operators in rural and suburban areas; having one person operate several highly automated drones; and testing devices to make the drones able to identify and avoid obstacles. "Britain is a leader in enabling drone innovation; we've been investing in Prime Air research and development here for quite some time," said Paul Misener, Amazon's Vice President of Global Innovation Policy and Communications. "This announcement strengthens our partnership with the UK and brings Amazon closer to our goal of using drones to safely deliver parcels in 30 minutes to customers in the UK and elsewhere around the world." Last month, the US Federal Aviation Administration unveiled long-awaited new rules that clear the way for small, commercial drones to operate across US airspace. Under the FAA's rules, drone operators will be allowed to fly commercial craft weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kilograms) during daylight hours, provided they can maintain a clear view of the drone at all times. While that effectively precludes the sort of robo-delivery services being developed by Amazon and other major vendors, the new rules will nonetheless ensure drones become increasingly commonplace in the skies. The White House cites industry estimates suggesting drones could generate more than $82 billion for the US economy over the coming decade, creating some 100,000 jobs. (AFP)

Amazon to conduct drone delivery tests in the UK

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