The US telecommunications regulator said on Monday that it is adding Shenzhen-based DJI, the world’s largest drone maker, to a list of companies determined to pose “unacceptable risks” to US national security, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s effort to crack down on Chinese drones.
Addition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s “covered list” means that DJI, which accounts for over half of all US commercial drones, will not be able to obtain approvals to sell new drone models or components in the US.
The FCC said it was adding all foreign-made drones and components to its blacklist, meaning that Autel, another major Shenzhen-based drone manufacturer, would also be affected.
The telecoms regulator noted that it made the decision after it received the results of a White House-convened inter-agency review of the risks posed by foreign-made drones on Sunday.
In a Monday statement, DJI said that it was “disappointed” with the decision and noted that “no information has been released regarding what information was used by the Executive Branch in reaching its determination”.
“Concerns about DJI’s data security have not been grounded in evidence and instead reflect protectionism, contrary to the principles of an open market,” said a DJI spokesperson, adding that the company remained committed to the US market.
Autel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Monday’s move by the FCC is the latest in a series of recent US government restrictions on Chinese drones. In June, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reducing US reliance on Chinese drone manufacturers.
In July, the Commerce Department launched a probe into whether imported drones pose a national security risk, a step that could lead to higher tariffs. In 2020, it added DJI to a trade blacklist that requires US firms to obtain a license before doing business with the company.
In 2021, the Treasury Department added DJI to a list that bars US persons from purchasing or selling specific publicly traded securities linked to the company.
In 2022, the Pentagon added DJI to its blacklist of Chinese military-linked companies.
“Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, offer the potential to enhance public safety as well as cement America’s leadership in global innovation. But criminals, terrorists and hostile foreign actors have intensified their weaponisation of these technologies, creating new and serious threats to our homeland,” said FCC chair Brendan Carr in a post on X on Monday.
Monday’s designation does not prohibit the import, sale or use of any existing device models previously authorised or bought, the FCC said, adding that the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security could also make future determinations that specific drones or classes of drones do not pose risks.
The telecoms regulator pointed to mass gatherings, such as the upcoming 2028 Olympics and the 2026 World Cup, as part of the backdrop for its action.
Some lawmakers cheered the FCC’s decision on Monday.
“I have been working for YEARS to get DJI, Autel, and other drones made in Communist China out of our nation’s military and supply chain to protect our national security and American families,” said Senator Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, who called the FCC move a “huge step forward” on social media.
DJI accounts for roughly 75% of the global consumer drone market. Drones are used across sectors, from construction companies to farms, yet few US drone makers offer consumer and industrial products comparable to DJI’s. – South China Morning Post
