Global Scans · Drones · Weekly Summary

• [New] Zipline just announced a partnership with Uber aimed at scaling up to 1 million drone deliveries per day by the end of 2029. Ars Technica
• [New] Amazon.com Inc. plans to expand its Prime Air drone delivery service to nearly 500 cities and towns in the U.S. by the end of 2026, a significant scaling of an operation that currently serves customers in seven states. M4SNews
• [New] The U.S. FAA projects the commercial drone fleet to reach about 1.18 million aircraft by 2029, supporting sustained demand for advanced imaging, navigation, communication, and intelligent payload technologies. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Amazon requires a clear 10-foot radius around the delivery point - free of people, pets, vehicles, and tall objects - before a drone will release a package, and every flight path must be approved by the FAA. blogmind360.com
• [New] By codifying unmanned systems as core baseline allocations alongside ammunition and food, the Ukrainian military has essentially guaranteed that every frontline unit will expect a predictable monthly drone ration. ISWFA
• [New] The U.S. is adding a 100% Section 232 duty to the highest-risk drone categories and 25% to covered small drones without thermal imaging. Attahir Labs
• [New] Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian ships and ports could shut down grain exports via the Black Sea in the near future, pushing up prices and causing hunger in Africa and the Middle East. MarineLink
• [New] Amazon Prime Air plans to launch drone delivery services in select U.S. cities by 2026, aiming to enhance last-mile logistics. 6wresearch
• [New] Uber and Zipline formed a strategic partnership to scale US drone delivery, targeting one million deliveries per day by the end of 2029, with first Uber Eats deployments later in 2026. Self Drive News
• [New] The Pentagon's JIATF-401 task force has named five domestic bases slated to receive directed-energy or high-powered microwave counter-drone systems within a 180-day window, with initial operations expected before the end of 2026. TheDefenseWatch.com
• [New] The Marine Corps and Army have moved to sole-source Anduril's Pulsar systems while DHS awarded Fortem a $1.011 billion counter-drone contract, concentrating acquisition risk in a narrow vendor base even as urgency justifies bypassing competition. Drone Warfare
• [New] Drone capabilities will change over the coming years, not decades, as a result of the convergence of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced robotics, nanotechnology, new battery chemistries, advanced materials, cybersecurity, edge computing, and autonomous systems. Forbes
• [New] Drone delivery systems are gaining traction in various commercial sectors globally, driven by the potential for cost-effective, efficient, and reliable delivery services, as well as regulatory frameworks that are increasingly supportive of drone operations. Precedence Research
• [New] Pesticides not registered for aerial application will still require a Health Canada approved label amendment before they may be applied by drone. Sigma Chambers
• The CAA will continue refining the ConOps through iterative testing, policy development, and stakeholder engagement to facilitate routine integrated BVLOS drone operations by 2027. / UK Murzilli Consulting
• The Drone Dominance Program is a $1 billion US Defense Department initiative intended to procure more than 200,000 drones for American forces by 2027. SOF News
• Over 2027, Wing and Walmart are expanding drone delivery to 270+ stores, with a view to building a coast to coast network in 2027, ultimately reaching over 10% of the US population. Retail Technology Innovation Hub
• Washington will no longer contribute destroyers or submarines, while tanker aircraft and armed drone supplies will also be affected. Ediciones EL PAIS S.L.

Last updated: 30 August 2026