FCC bans new Chinese drones and components from DJI and Autel Robotics
Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission banned new drones and critical components from the market-leading Chinese drone manufacturer DJI and smaller firm Autel Robotics, calling the foreign-made drones “an unacceptable national security risk.”
The ban covers all drones and related components from any foreign manufacturer. DJI dominates the worldwide (nonmilitary) drone market, with a market share greater than 90%, according to some estimates.
In addition to hobbyists, the quadcopter-style drones made by DJI are used heavily in a wide variety of industries, including agriculture, infrastructure inspection, real estate, and also by first responders. Blocking foreign drones leaves many critical fields without a viable US-made alternative, as the industry has struggled to develop new supply chains that don’t come from China and match the quality of DJI’s hardware and software.
Shares of Florida-based drone builder Unusual Machines are up over 8% in early trading. Donald Trump Jr. is an investor and adviser to the company.
DJI has said its drones do not present a security risk and that it welcomes a national security review, noting that its drones can be used without an internet connection and all data is saved locally.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr said:
“I welcome this Executive Branch national security determination, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign drones and related components, which pose an unacceptable national security risk, to the FCC’s Covered List. Following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will work closely with U.S. drone makers to unleash American drone dominance.”
The ban covers all drones and related components from any foreign manufacturer. DJI dominates the worldwide (nonmilitary) drone market, with a market share greater than 90%, according to some estimates.
In addition to hobbyists, the quadcopter-style drones made by DJI are used heavily in a wide variety of industries, including agriculture, infrastructure inspection, real estate, and also by first responders. Blocking foreign drones leaves many critical fields without a viable US-made alternative, as the industry has struggled to develop new supply chains that don’t come from China and match the quality of DJI’s hardware and software.
Shares of Florida-based drone builder Unusual Machines are up over 8% in early trading. Donald Trump Jr. is an investor and adviser to the company.
DJI has said its drones do not present a security risk and that it welcomes a national security review, noting that its drones can be used without an internet connection and all data is saved locally.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr said:
“I welcome this Executive Branch national security determination, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign drones and related components, which pose an unacceptable national security risk, to the FCC’s Covered List. Following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will work closely with U.S. drone makers to unleash American drone dominance.”
