Drone inspection in 2026: rules, suppliers, outlook
AI · not reviewedWritten with AI from the sources listed, not yet editorially reviewed.
The EU is simplifying approvals, the US is blocking new Chinese models, European makers are growing — for inspection fleets, choosing a supplier has become strategic.
The essentials in three points
- In September 2025, EASA integrated the SORA 2.5 risk assessment into the acceptable means of compliance for EU drone regulation 2019/947, aiming at simpler, more harmonised approvals in the “specific” category.
- In December 2025, the US FCC added foreign-made drones to its Covered List: new models, such as DJI’s, can no longer be authorised and sold; devices already authorised remain usable.
- German maker Quantum Systems raised USD 1.2 billion at a valuation of about USD 8 billion in July 2026; revenue doubled to about EUR 300 million in 2025, with a focus on reconnaissance systems (company figures).
What this means for businesses
The technology for inspecting roofs, power lines, bridges and plants is available; the risk lies in the supply chain and approvals. Companies with US operations should check new purchases for FCC compliance; in the EU, it pays to coordinate SORA 2.5 approvals early with the national aviation authority.
Sources · 3
- Bureau Veritas · 03 Oct 2025EASA adopts SORA 2.5: new simplifications for specific category drones
- Tom’s Guide · 23 Dec 2025US bans foreign-made drones including those by DJI — here’s what it means for you
- The Next Web · 03 Jul 2026Quantum Systems raises $1.2bn Series D at $8bn valuation
Links open the original source in a new tab. Figures from company statements are labelled as vendor or company figures in the text.
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