Chinese Drone Manufacturer’s Concerns on Proposed US Law
Background of the NDAA and Section 1709
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2025, under Section 1709, proposes a review of risks from some Chinese-made drones. It asks a national security agency to check the threats from gear made by DJI and Autel Robotics within a year after the NDAA becomes law.
If the assessment isn’t done, these products automatically end up on the FCC’s Covered List, which means they can’t be used on FCC-regulated channels.
DJI’s Reaction to the Proposed Legislation
DJI, a leading drone company, is worried about this new rule. A spokesperson said:
“We are closely monitoring developments in Congress. While it is too early to provide detailed comments, as the NDAA still awaits a vote, the current text raises several initial concerns:
Chinese drones are singled out for scrutiny and the current text does not designate a specific agency to undertake the required study. We call for the agency tasked with this work to be technical in nature in order to ensure the assessment is evidence-based.”
Issues with Fairness and Process
The spokesperson pointed out problems with how DJI and Autel might be added to the FCC’s list if no one checks their safety:
“If no agency conducts a study to determine risk, the proposed legislation automatically adds DJI and another Chinese manufacturer to the FCC’s Covered List. This means that DJI would be prevented from launching new products in the US market through no fault of its own, but simply because no agency chose to take on the work of studying our products.”
DJI also asked for fair treatment and clarity in any reviews:
“There is no provision for any right of reply or due administrative process. If the NDAA passes with these provisions included, we call on a relevant technical intelligence agency to undertake an audit of our products, and we ask for a fair right of reply to any findings.”
Commitment to Safety and Competition
DJI is committed to dealing with security issues while staying active in the U.S. market:
“DJI reaffirms its commitment to the U.S. market and our customers. Since 2017, DJI has proactively submitted its products to regular independent security audits and expanded the range of built-in user privacy controls in our consumer and enterprise drones.”
The company supports broader efforts to boost security and competitiveness, so long as they’re fair and not based on where the products come from:
“We support initiatives aimed at enhancing competitiveness and strengthening drone security, provided they are grounded in fairness, apply to the industry as a whole, and [are] driven by technological considerations – not country of origin. Ensuring that drone operators have the freedom to choose the most reliable platforms for their operational needs is essential for fostering innovation and maintaining a competitive industry, both now and in the long term.”
Impact on the Drone Industry
Section 1709 shows the U.S. lawmakers’ growing worries about security risks from Chinese drones. Some in the drone industry back this law, but it causes concern for those who use Chinese drones for things like public safety and checking infrastructure. Many U.S. drone makers are coming up, but it’s hard to find non-Chinese drones for under $2,000. These challenges make some groups oppose laws that could restrict Chinese drones, while others stress the need to balance security and practical needs, giving time to adjust their fleets.
For more information on DJI, visit DJI. Learn about Autel Robotics at Autel Robotics
