Recent News & Blog Updates

The FCC has proposed a rule that could end sales of previously-approved foreign-made drones equipped with thermal imaging, LiDAR, and other sensors it now classifies as "military-grade." The definition reaches far beyond weapons platforms, sweeping in equipment utilities, oil and gas operators, and data centers rely on for everyday inspection work. Comments close September 2, 2026.

The UAS industry only has three parts: demand, supply, and the regulatory and advisory middle that's supposed to connect them. This piece lays out a simple map any operator, manufacturer, or policy professional can use to place themselves, the strengths and blind spots of each group, and the three problems that keep showing up in the gaps between them.

Industries have long fallen into the trap of promoting one specific type (or class) of aircraft as the ultimate answer to operational demands, often to the detriment of efficiency and adaptability. For instance, the growing advocacy for transitioning entirely to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) while phasing out manned aircraft may seem progressive on the surface, but the current reality often proves less gratifying. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) bring unique opportunities,

Some of the largest UAS-focused (or integrated) drone initiatives are coming from the critical infrastructure sector. The Tactien team has worked closely with some of the largest linear infrastructure companies in the country over the years, and we have watched how that sector has responded to the advent of commercial UAS. What is most interesting is that utility companies have developed their own “personality types” regarding their stance on UAS. If you are part of a utility