DJI Mavic 4 Release Date, Drone Used for Good, DJI Mini 5 Leak, Drone Smuggling Into Prison

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update. We have four stories for you this week. First, DJI teases the Mavic 4 Pro with a release date. Second, a heartwarming story from Michigan where a drone located a missing person. Third, more DJI news with a potential leak window for the Mini 5 Pro. Finally, a drone reportedly crashed while attempting to smuggle drugs. Let’s dive into our “Don’t Be That Guy” segment and more. Here’s the roundup.

DJI Teases Mavic 4 Pro

DJI is back, officially teasing the upcoming Mavic 4 Pro with a “Spin Your World” teaser. In a surprising move, they showcased the drone itself in the teaser, likely due to months of leaks. The official launch is slated for May 13, so mark your calendars. Stay tuned for more details.

Drone Rescues Missing Woman in Michigan

A heartwarming “Drones for Good” story comes from Michigan. Last month, a 74-year-old woman, stranded after her vehicle caught fire, got lost in the woods without her phone. She sought shelter under a tree, enduring 27°F temperatures, rain, and wind, just 450 feet from her burnt vehicle. Three days after going missing, the Mason County Sheriff’s Department used a Thermal Drone to locate her, alive but too frozen to move. Congratulations to the sheriff’s department for their excellent use of Drone Technology, and we’re sure her loved ones are thrilled she’s safe.

DJI Mini 5 Pro Leak

More DJI news from the rumor mill: the Mini 5 Pro may launch in September 2025. Trusted X leaker Hakasushi confirmed an earlier rumor from Jasper Ellens on DroneXL. While it’s still a ways off, anticipation is building for the popular Mini series, especially for those seeking a capable drone under the 250-gram limit to avoid registration and some Remote ID requirements for recreational flying. Speculation includes improvements like a larger sensor, enhanced obstacle avoidance, better wind resistance, and longer flight times. Share in the comments what features you’d like to see in the Mini 5 Pro, though it’s likely already in production.

Don’t Be That Guy: Drone Smuggling Incident

In our “Don’t Be That Guy” segment, a drone reportedly crashed while attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into a South Carolina prison. Details about the drone type or Contraband quantity remain undisclosed, and the investigation is ongoing. This isn’t an isolated incident—correctional facilities worldwide face growing attempts to deliver drugs, cell phones, weapons, and other illegal items via drones. This highlights the cat-and-mouse game between those exploiting drone technology and authorities working to stop them. Many facilities now use drone detection systems, so don’t risk it—authorities will likely catch you.

That’s all for this week. Join us for a live Q&A and post-flight session on Monday in the premium community. See you then!