Drone News Roundup: DJI Mavic 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro on Sale, Bavaria with the Neo 2, and More!
BY Zacc Dukowitz
21 January 2026This week we’re covering big discounts for the Mavic 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro, which are both now available on Amazon with discounts of up to 19%.
We’re also covering cinematic footage from Bavaria shot on the DJI Neo 2, a drone-assisted manhunt in Ohio, the National Weather Service using drone data for the first time, and students building an AI-powered drone to fight trash.
Now on to the links!
DJI Mavic 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro See Big Discounts on Amazon
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is on sale for 19% off on Amazon. The DJI Mini 5 Pro is also on sale for 9% off on Amazon. Last year, neither of these drones even launched in the U.S. We wrote extensively about how people were trying to ship these drones into the U.S. from other countries, doing anything they could to get their hands on them. And as the year went on, some inventory appeared, but it would often get snapped up.
Now, both drones are widely available—but who knows how long the supply will last, or how long the discounts will be in place.
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Exploring Bavaria with the DJI Neo 2
This sparse, raw (i.e., no-post-processing) cinematic video takes us on a beautiful tour of Bavaria with DJI’s compact Neo 2 drone. From alpine landscapes to historic towns and winding roads, the footage highlights how smaller, lightweight drones can still produce high-quality travel content when paired with thoughtful shot selection and smooth camera movement.
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Drone Helps Police Find Fugitive Hiding in Woods at Night
Sheriff’s deputies in Stark County, Ohio used a drone equipped with thermal imaging to locate a wanted man who fled into a wooded area after crashing his vehicle. According to local reporting, the drone allowed officers to spot the suspect’s heat signature in the dark and guide ground units to his location, reducing risk to deputies on the ground.
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National Weather Service Uses Drone Data for the First Time
Credit: Meteomatics
The National Weather Service has begun using drone-collected atmospheric data in operational forecasts for the first time, following a new partnership between weather intelligence firm Meteomatics and NOAA’s National Mesonet Program. Through the collaboration, Meteomatics’ autonomous “Meteodrones” will routinely collect high-resolution atmospheric data and feed it directly into the National Weather Service’s day-to-day forecasts and weather warnings across the United States.
While NOAA and the National Weather Service have previously evaluated drone-based weather observations in research and testing environments, this marks the first time drone data is being integrated into real-world forecasting workflows. In practical terms, forecasters will now rely on drone measurements alongside traditional tools like weather balloons, radar, and satellites when making decisions about storms, fog, winter weather, and hazardous winds.
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Students Build AI-Powered EccoDrone to Help Fight Trash
Credit: EccoDrone
Students in Chicago have designed an AI-powered drone called EccoDrone aimed at identifying and helping remove trash from public spaces. Using onboard cameras and machine learning, the drone can spot litter and flag locations for cleanup. The solution is a great example of how accessible AI tools and off-the-shelf drone tech can be combined to tackle local environmental problems. The project highlights the growing role of student-led innovation in exploring practical, real-world uses for drones beyond photography and delivery.
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