By MassPrivateI

Not content with police body cams, Axon formerly known as Taser wants to equip police departments with Chinese-made surveillance drones.

Three weeks ago, Chinese drone manufacturer DJI reported that they are partnering with Axon.

DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, and Axon the global leader in connected law enforcement technologies, announced an exclusive partnership, to sell DJI drones directly to public safety and law enforcement agencies worldwide through the new Axon Air program.(Source)

Axon Air wants to provide police with three different types of surveillance drones; the DJI Phanton 4 Pro, DJI Inspire 1, and the DJI Matrice 210. (To find out more about Axon Air drones click here.)

How long will it take Axon and DJI to sell police bird drones that spy on citizens?

Why is Axon and DJI working together to provide law enforcement with surveillance drones you ask?

Surely, it is not to dominate the market and make huge profits that would be crazy.

Last month an article in Ars Techinca revealed that Axon recently acquired VieVu creating a near monopoly in police body cams. An article in The Verge describes Axon’s taser market dominance as “unmatched.”

The same is true for DJI who has a near monopoly in the drone market and has established itself as the market leader in drone sales. An article in Mavic Pilots asks, “Will DJI Spark be the Catalyst for Total Market Domination?”

Stocks soared after Axon and DJI announced their partnership.

So if their partnership is not about creating a police drone monopoly, then what is it for?

It is for “public safety” of course.

“As the requirements and demands of unmanned aircraft programs grow, Axon is partnering with agencies to build out solutions that meet the complexities and requirements of public safety,” says Axon’s EVP of Worldwide Products, Todd Basche.

And just in case you did not believe it the first time, DJI has it covered.

DJI’s Managing Director of North America Michael Perry reiterates Axon’s statement saying, “DJI’s Axon Air partnership will strengthen and enhance law enforcement’s ability to protect public safety, respond to emergencies and save lives.”

Does saying it twice convince you that police drones will be used for public safety?

I mean what could go wrong?

Across the country, law enforcement is equipping drones with weapons like, Tasers, tear gas, sound cannons and much more.

Police want to weaponize drones

Drones equipped with machine guns