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FlightHub 2 finally hosted in Europe: A revolution for drone data sovereignty
Jul
Introduction: Europe takes back control of its drone data
In a context where digital sovereignty is becoming a major strategic issue for Europe, DJI is taking a decisive step forward with the announcement of the European hosting of its FlightHub 2 platform. This development, made official on 13 June 2025 [1], responds to the growing concerns of European companies and administrations regarding the protection and control of their sensitive data.
The professional drone industry is growing exponentially in Europe, with critical applications in public safety, infrastructure inspection, precision agriculture, and environmental monitoring. However, this expansion comes with complex regulatory challenges, particularly in terms of personal data protection and digital sovereignty. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into force in 2018, imposes strict constraints on the processing and storage of data collected by drones.
DJI FlightHub 2, an all-in-one, cloud-based drone operations management platform, becomes the first solution of its scale to offer all-European hosting. This initiative is part of a broader approach to regulatory compliance and reassurance of European customers about the security of their operational data.
The challenge goes beyond simple technical compliance. This is a revolution in the way European companies can now think about their drone operations, with the guarantee that their critical data never leaves European territory. This development opens up new opportunities for the most sensitive industries, including defense, public safety, and critical infrastructure, which can now benefit from DJI’s advanced technologies without compromising their digital sovereignty.
What is DJI FlightHub 2?
DJI FlightHub 2 represents the most advanced evolution of drone operations management platforms, designed to meet the growing needs of professionals to oversee, plan, and coordinate complex missions [2]. This all-in-one cloud solution radically transforms the way organizations manage their drone fleets, providing comprehensive, real-time situational awareness that was previously reserved for military operations or large technology companies.
At the heart of FlightHub 2 is a revolutionary concept: the centralization of all drone operations within a single, intuitive interface. This platform allows users to plan detailed missions, supervise flights in real time, manage big data, and coordinate geographically dispersed teams, all from a centralized command post. The user interface, developed according to aviation industry standards, offers an immersive experience reminiscent of modern airline control centers.
The platform stands out for its Virtual Cockpit, a major technological innovation that allows remote control of drones via a simple mouse and keyboard. This revolutionary feature eliminates the need for a traditional remote controller for many operations, allowing operators to fly drones hundreds of miles away with the same accuracy as local piloting. Mouselook and drag-select zoom features make it easy to control the camera and optimize operational efficiency, while FlyTo automation makes it possible to set destinations with a single click, with the system automatically calculating the safest and most efficient route.
Another major technological pillar is the artificial intelligence built into FlightHub 2. The intelligent tracking system can automatically detect and track vehicles, watercraft, and other objects of interest, generating real-time alerts and maintaining continuous monitoring through advanced computer vision algorithms. This auto-detection capability significantly improves the efficiency of surveillance and reconnaissance missions, reducing the cognitive load on operators while increasing the accuracy of observations.
Task management and assignment distribution are also key features of the platform. The Virtual Cockpit allows direct visualization of the route library and quick route assignment for the immediate initiation of flight tasks. This centralized approach to mission management allows organizations to efficiently coordinate multi-drone and multi-team operations, optimizing resource utilization and minimizing downtime.
FlightHub 2 also supports Points of Interest (POI) features, allowing users to select any location or landmark for the aircraft to automatically orient itself and orbit around it. This feature is particularly useful for detailed infrastructure inspections or monitoring of specific areas, ensuring complete and systematic coverage of areas of interest.
Since its launch in March 2022, FlightHub 2 has been widely adopted in critical sectors such as public safety, firefighting, surveying, energy, and many other industries [1]. This mass adoption is a testament to the platform’s technological maturity and ability to meet the most stringent operational requirements. User feedback has made it possible to continuously refine the functionalities and adapt the platform to the specific needs of each sector of activity.
The challenge of European hosting for drones
Hosting drone data in Europe is much more than just a technical issue; This is a major strategic issue that affects the continent’s digital sovereignty, national security and economic competitiveness. In a tense geopolitical context where data has become the new oil of the twenty-first century, the geographical location of servers and data processing infrastructures is of paramount importance for European companies and administrations.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into force on May 25, 2018, established a strict legal framework for the processing of personal data within the European Union [3]. This regulation imposes particularly stringent obligations regarding data transfers to third countries, requiring appropriate safeguards and enhanced protection mechanisms. For drone operations, which often collect images, videos, and location-based data that may contain personally identifiable information, GDPR compliance becomes a complex technical and legal challenge.
Beyond the GDPR, the European Union has developed an ambitious digital strategy aimed at reducing its technological dependence on American and Chinese giants. The European Strategy for Data, presented by the European Commission in February 2020, aims to create a single market for data while ensuring that Europe is in control of its critical technologies [4]. In this context, the European hosting of drone data is perfectly in line with this digital sovereignty approach.
The most sensitive sectors, including defense, public safety, critical infrastructure, and emergency services, face even stricter regulatory constraints. The data collected by drones in these areas can reveal strategic information about defensive capabilities, infrastructure vulnerabilities, or sensitive operational procedures. The location of this data on European territory therefore becomes a national security requirement, allowing the competent authorities to maintain effective control over this critical information.
The economic aspect of European accommodation should not be neglected. Network latency, the response time between sending a command and receiving it, is a critical factor for real-time drone operations. Geographically close hosting to European users significantly reduces this latency, improving the responsiveness of control systems and the quality of live video transmissions. This improved performance translates into increased operational efficiency and reduced risk related to communication delays.
The issue of continuity of service is also a major issue. In the event of geopolitical tensions or trade restrictions, European companies using services hosted in third countries could find themselves deprived of access to their own data or management tools. European hosting offers a guarantee of continuity of service and operational independence, allowing organizations to maintain their critical activities even in difficult geopolitical contexts.
European companies are also facing increasing pressure from their customers and partners regarding data protection. Public calls for tenders increasingly include specific clauses relating to the hosting of data on European territory, de facto excluding solutions that do not meet these criteria. This market shift creates a significant competitive advantage for solutions offering native European hosting.
The emergence of the concept of “sovereign cloud” in Europe is a perfect illustration of this trend. Initiatives such as Gaia-X, a Franco-German project aimed at creating a secure and federated European data infrastructure, demonstrate the political will to develop European alternatives to American and Chinese solutions [5]. In this context, the European hosting of FlightHub 2 is part of a broader approach to building an autonomous and resilient European technology ecosystem.
FlightHub 2: Two solutions for Europe
To meet the varied requirements of European businesses and governments, DJI now offers two distinct approaches to hosting FlightHub 2 in Europe. This dual-track strategy helps meet the specific needs of each organization, whether they prioritize the simplicity of a managed cloud solution or full control of an on-premises deployment.
Cloud version with European hosting
The cloud version of FlightHub 2 with European hosting represents the natural evolution of the original platform, adapted to the regulatory and security requirements of the European market. This solution retains all the benefits of a modern cloud infrastructure while ensuring that data never leaves the European territory.
The technical infrastructure is based on European data centers certified according to the most demanding industry standards. DJI uses Amazon Web Services as its cloud and storage service provider, benefiting from ISO 27001 certification that ensures best practices in IT security and protection against cyberattacks [6]. This internationally recognized certification assures European users that their data is protected according to the highest industry standards.
GDPR compliance is a fundamental pillar of this solution. DJI has obtained ISO 27701 certification, specifically dedicated to the protection of personal data, thus guaranteeing full compliance with the European regulation [6]. This certification goes beyond simple technical compliance by incorporating organizational processes and security controls specifically designed to protect personal data throughout its lifecycle.
“By using a European-based cloud infrastructure, DJI ensures that drone and mission data does not leave European territory, in line with the strict requirements of European legislation.” [7]
This guarantee of geographical location of data represents a strong contractual commitment on the part of DJI. The data collected by drones, whether images, videos, telemetry or metadata, is stored and processed exclusively on servers located in Europe. This approach eliminates the risks associated with cross-border data transfers and significantly simplifies compliance procedures for business users.
Access to data is strictly controlled through a granular permissions system that allows administrators to define precisely who can access what information. This access control system is based on strong authentication protocols, including multi-factor authentication and integration with existing corporate identity systems. Detailed access logs allow a complete audit of all operations performed on the data, thus meeting the traceability requirements of the GDPR.
The European cloud solution also benefits from a redundant architecture that guarantees high availability of services. Data is replicated across multiple European data centers, ensuring continuity of service even in the event of a site failure. This geographical redundancy, while remaining within the limits of the European territory, offers exceptional resilience in the face of technical incidents or natural disasters.
On-Premises version for full control
For organizations demanding absolute control over their data and infrastructure, DJI offers FlightHub 2 On-Premises, a self-hosted solution that can be deployed in customers’ private data centers or private clouds [1]. This approach addresses the needs of the most sensitive sectors where data sovereignty is a national security imperative.
FlightHub 2 On-Premises retains virtually all the features of the cloud version while providing full control over the hosting environment. This solution allows organizations to deploy the platform in a completely isolated intranet environment, adding an extra layer of security for the most sensitive data. Deployment can be done on physical machines within a local network or on private cloud servers, providing maximum architectural flexibility.
Recommended technical specifications for optimal deployment include an 8-core processor, 32 GB of RAM, 1000 GB of disk space, and a network connection of at least 100 Mbps for each connected dock [8]. The recommended operating system is Linux/Ubuntu, ensuring optimal stability and security. These specifications, while substantial, are still accessible to most organizations with a modern IT infrastructure.
The deployment is based on Docker technology, making it easy to install and maintain the platform. This containerized approach allows for a simplified installation that can be completed by a software engineer in a single day under optimal conditions [1]. Containerization also offers portability and update benefits, allowing organizations to easily migrate their installation or apply security patches without extended downtime.
The security of the On-Premises solution is enhanced by support for third-party authentication protocols that support the OAuth 2.0 standard. This feature enables integration with existing corporate identity systems, including Active Directory or cloud identity management solutions, simplifying user access management while maintaining a high level of security.
One of the major advantages of the On-Premises version is its integration and customization capabilities. The platform offers compatibility with OpenAPI, allowing developers to integrate the features of FlightHub 2 into their existing applications without developing from scratch. Modular front-end elements, including the Flight Route Editor, Virtual Cockpit, and project/board modules, can be quickly integrated into existing platforms, significantly reducing the frontend development burden.
The integrated MQTT Bridge equips FlightHub 2 On-Premises with MQTT bridging and handoff capabilities, providing efficient solutions for industrial applications while improving system integration and flexibility. This functionality enables interconnection with existing industrial supervision systems, IoT platforms, or infrastructure management solutions, creating an integrated operations management ecosystem.
Concrete benefits for European companies
FlightHub 2’s European hosting brings tangible and measurable benefits to the continent’s businesses and administrations, turning regulatory constraints into competitive advantages. These benefits are broken down into several complementary dimensions that directly impact the operational efficiency, regulatory compliance and economic competitiveness of user organizations.
Automatic GDPR compliance is one of the most immediate and significant benefits of European hosting. Businesses using FlightHub 2 with European hosting benefit from native compliance with the EU regulation, eliminating the complexity of data transfer procedures to third countries. This automatic compliance translates into a substantial reduction in compliance costs, estimated at between €15,000 and €50,000 per year for an average company according to industry studies [9]. This allows legal and compliance teams to focus on strategic issues rather than managing the risks associated with data transfers.
Another major technical advantage of European hosting is reduced network latency. Performance tests conducted by European users show an average improvement of 40-60% in response times compared to solutions hosted in North America or Asia [10]. This improvement translates into increased responsiveness of flight controls, higher quality of real-time video transmissions and smoother synchronization between geographically dispersed teams. For critical operations that require maximum responsiveness, such as emergency response or security monitoring, this reduction in latency can mean the difference between mission success and failure.
The enhanced security offered by European hosting goes beyond the simple geographical location of data. The European data centers used by DJI have some of the strictest physical and logical security certifications in the world, including biometric access controls, 24/7 monitoring, and multi-layered intrusion detection systems. This security infrastructure, combined with the strict European data protection regulations, provides a higher level of protection than is available in many other parts of the world.
Operational independence is a particularly important strategic advantage in the current geopolitical context. European companies using FlightHub 2 with European hosting are no longer dependent on the political or commercial decisions of third countries regarding access to their own data. This independence is crucial for strategic sectors such as energy, telecommunications or transport, where continuity of service is a national security issue.
The most sensitive sectors of activity benefit from particularly marked specific advantages. In the field of public security, police and gendarmerie forces can now use FlightHub 2 to coordinate sensitive operations without risking the compromise of their tactical data. The fire and rescue services benefit from a coordination platform that respects the confidentiality of information relating to victims and intervention procedures. Energy companies can monitor their critical infrastructure without exposing critical information about their capabilities and vulnerabilities.
The economic impact of European accommodation is also manifested through improved access to public procurement. Many European tenders now include preference or obligation clauses concerning the hosting of data on European territory. This regulatory change creates a significant competitive advantage for companies using compliant solutions, allowing them to access markets that were previously closed or difficult to access.
The simplification of administrative procedures is an often underestimated but nevertheless significant benefit. Organizations using FlightHub 2 with European hosting can simplify their compliance statements, reduce their reporting obligations to data protection authorities, and speed up their internal audit procedures. This administrative simplification translates into productivity gains for compliance teams and a reduction in legal risks.
Improving customer trust is also an important competitive advantage. European customers, whether private companies or public administrations, are showing a growing preference for solutions that guarantee the protection of their data on European territory. This preference translates into a facilitation of sales processes and a reduction in decision cycles, with customers being reassured about the compliance and security of the proposed solution.
The scalability and durability of the solution also benefit from European hosting. The European Union’s massive investments in digital infrastructure, in particular through the European Recovery Plan and the Horizon Europe programmes, ensure a continuous improvement in the performance and capacities of European data centres. This investment dynamic ensures that FlightHub 2 users will continue to evolve technologically and future-proof their investment over the long term.
FlightHub 2 Solutions Comparison for Europe
The choice between the cloud version with European hosting and the On-Premises version of FlightHub 2 depends on multiple factors specific to each organization. This strategic decision must take into account security requirements, budget constraints, internal technical capabilities, and long-term operational goals.
| Criterion | FlightHub 2 Cloud Europe | FlightHub 2 On-Premises |
| Deployment | European Public Cloud (SaaS) | Local/Private Servers |
| Implementation time | Immediate after subscription | 1 to 5 days depending on configuration |
| Initial investment | Low (monthly subscription) | High (Infrastructure + Licenses) |
| Data Security | ISO 27001/27701 certified BSI | Fully User Controlled |
| Data localization | European Data Centers | Customer Infrastructure |
| Access to data | Via secure internet | Local network or VPN |
| Updates | Automatic and frequent | Manual, less frequent |
| Technical Support | 24 hours a day by DJI | Limited support + in-house expertise |
| Storage capacity | 100 GB per device included | Limited by client infrastructure |
| Number of users | Unlimited according to subscription | Limited by purchased licenses |
| System Integration | Standard APIs | APIs + modular components |
| Customization | Limited to standard settings | Complete through development |
| GDPR Compliance | Native and automatic | Customer Responsibility |
| Redundancy | European multi-sites | According to customer architecture |
| Scalability | Automatic as required | Manual depending on infrastructure |
How to choose the European Cloud version
The cloud version with European hosting is particularly suitable for organizations that prioritize simplicity of deployment and reduced infrastructure costs. This solution is ideal for mid-sized businesses, specialist consultants and local governments who want to quickly benefit from the advanced features of FlightHub 2 without major technical investment.
Industries with changing needs and seasonal peaks find the cloud version particularly flexible. This allows environmental monitoring companies, infrastructure inspection companies or mapping service providers to adapt their processing and storage capacity according to their operational needs, thus optimizing their operating costs.
The European cloud version also has significant benefits for multi-site or international organizations operating in Europe. Centralizing data on a single platform facilitates coordination between geographically dispersed teams, while maintaining regulatory compliance in all European countries of operation.
How to choose the On-Premises version
The On-Premises version is the natural choice for organizations with maximum security requirements or with specific regulatory constraints. Central administrations, armed forces, critical infrastructure operators and companies handling classified data find in this solution the level of control and security required by their missions.
Organizations with experienced IT teams and robust technical infrastructures can take advantage of the customization and integration capabilities offered by the On-Premises version. This solution allows the development of specific functionalities, integration with existing systems and fine-tuning to the particular business processes of each organization.
The On-Premises version also has long-term economic benefits for high-utilization organizations. While the initial investment is higher, the operating costs may be lower than the cloud version for large usage volumes or deployments across many locations.
Recommendations according to organizational profiles
For SMEs and specialized consultants, the European cloud version offers the best value for money, allowing immediate access to professional features without major technical investment. Automatic GDPR compliance and included technical support significantly reduce hidden costs and operational risks.
Large private companies must assess their needs according to their sectors of activity. Companies in non-critical sectors can opt for the cloud version, while those operating in energy, telecommunications or finance may prefer the On-Premises version for maximum control of their strategic data.
Public administrations face more complex choices depending on their level of responsibility. Local governments and devolved governments can benefit from the simplicity of the cloud version, while central governments and security departments will generally prefer the on-premises version.
Operators of critical infrastructure (energy, transport, telecommunications) generally have to opt for the On-Premises version due to the regulatory requirements specific to their sectors and the strategic sensitivity of their operational data.
This benchmarking should be complemented by a specific assessment of the needs of each organisation, taking into account budgetary constraints, available technical expertise and medium- and long-term strategic objectives.
How to Migrate to European Hosting
The transition to European hosting of FlightHub 2 represents a major strategic milestone that requires careful planning and methodical execution. This migration, while technically complex, can be achieved with minimal impact on day-to-day operations thanks to a structured approach and the specialized technical support offered by DJI and its European partners.
Preliminary assessment and planning
The first step in the migration is a comprehensive assessment of the existing environment and the specific needs of the organization. This technical audit phase identifies the data to be migrated, existing integrations, operational constraints, and specific compliance requirements. The project team should include representatives from IT, operations, legal, and management to ensure a holistic approach to migration.
Inventorying existing data is an essential prerequisite for any successful migration. This inventory should list all archived missions, flight configurations, user parameters and integrations with third-party systems. The volume of data to be migrated directly influences the duration and complexity of the migration process, requiring an accurate estimate to plan the necessary resources.
The definition of migration objectives must be clear and measurable. These goals typically include regulatory compliance, improving performance, reducing security risks, and optimizing costs. Each objective should be associated with specific performance indicators to measure the success of the migration.
Migration steps for the European cloud version
The migration to the cloud version with European hosting follows a standardized process that minimizes service interruptions. The first step is to create the new European environment and configure the basic parameters according to the organisation’s specifications. This phase includes defining user roles, configuring security policies, and implementing necessary integrations.
Data migration is typically done in successive batches, validating the consistency and integrity of the information being transferred. Critical data, such as flight configurations and safety settings, are migrated first, followed by historical archives and reference data. This phased approach allows for the early detection and correction of potential migration issues.
The testing and validation phase is a crucial step in the migration process. This phase includes verifying the integrity of the migrated data, testing critical features, and validating the performance of the new environment. Key users are involved in this validation phase to ensure that all necessary features are up and running and that performance meets expectations.
The final switchover to the European environment is generally carried out during a period of low operational activity, thus minimizing the impact on ongoing missions. This includes redirecting user access, updating network configurations, and disabling the old environment after the new system has been fully validated.
Migration steps for the On-Premises release
Migrating to the On-Premises version requires a more complex approach due to the need to deploy and configure on-premises infrastructure. The first step is to prepare the technical environment, including the installation of servers, the configuration of the network and the implementation of security and backup systems.
The installation of FlightHub 2 On-Premises is based on Docker technology, making it easy to deploy and initially configure. This installation includes setting up databases, setting up application services, and configuring network interfaces. The technical documentation provided by DJI guides IT teams through each step of the installation process.
Migrating data to the on-premises environment requires careful attention to security and privacy. Data is typically transferred through secure channels, such as encrypted VPN connections or secure physical media for large volumes. This phase also includes the configuration of backup and disaster recovery systems.
Integration with the organization’s existing systems is often the most complex aspect of on-premises migration. This integration can include connecting with enterprise authentication systems, existing monitoring platforms, and infrastructure management tools. FlightHub 2’s APIs and modular components facilitate these integrations, but often require specific developments.
Support and guidance
DJI and its European partners offer comprehensive support throughout the migration process. This support includes specialized technical assistance, training for user teams and post-migration follow-up to ensure the smooth running of the new environment.
The training courses offered cover all the features of FlightHub 2, with a particular focus on the new features and specificities of European hosting. These training courses can be delivered face-to-face or remotely, depending on the preferences and constraints of the organization. Specialized training sessions are also available for system administrators and security teams.
Post-migration support includes a period of enhanced support during which DJI teams remain available to quickly resolve any technical or functional issues. This period of support also makes it possible to optimize the configuration of the system according to the feedback from the first months of use.
Conclusion: Europe at the forefront of digital drone sovereignty
The announcement of DJI FlightHub 2’s European hosting marks a watershed moment in the evolution of the professional drone industry in Europe. This initiative not only responds to the continent’s growing regulatory requirements, but also opens up new opportunities for European companies and administrations looking for advanced technological solutions that respect their digital sovereignty.
The impact of this development goes far beyond the technical framework to be part of a broader strategic approach to building an autonomous and resilient European technology ecosystem. By offering two complementary solutions – European Cloud and On-Premises – DJI demonstrates its ability to adapt to the specific needs of the European market while maintaining the technological excellence that characterizes its solutions.
The tangible benefits of European hosting can be seen at all levels of the organization: automatic regulatory compliance, improved performance, enhanced security, and cost optimization. These advantages transform European regulatory constraints into real competitive advantages for organizations that choose local hosting.
The future of the drone industry in Europe looks bright, with massive investments in digital infrastructure and a strong political will to develop European technological sovereignty. In this context, the European hosting of FlightHub 2 is an important precedent that could inspire other technology players to adapt their solutions to the specificities of the European market.
For European companies and administrations, the time has come to seize this unique opportunity to benefit from cutting-edge technology while meeting their regulatory obligations and security requirements. Whether it’s through the European cloud version for fast and cost-effective adoption, or the On-Premises version for maximum control, FlightHub 2 now offers the tools needed to transform drone operations in Europe.
Discover now the FlightHub 2 solutions with European hosting available at Drone Parts Center:
•DJI FlightHub 2 Professional Version (12-Month Plan) – Cloud solution with European hosting
•DJI FlightHub 2 On-Premises – Self-hosted solution for full control
Our experts are at your disposal to help you choose the most suitable solution for your specific needs and guide you in your migration to European hosting.