Representational image/UnsplashDJI and Autel Robotics two of the biggest names in the drone industry are once again at the center of a political firestorm.
Key House Republicans are calling on the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to urgently investigate whether drones made by these Chinese manufacturers pose an unacceptable national security threat to the United States.The lawmakers request is backed by the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which mandates a national security review of communications and surveillance equipment produced by Chinese firms, including DJI and Autel.
If found risky, these companies could be placed on the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) Covered List, effectively banning the sale and import of their drones in the US.New:US launches national security probe into DJI, Autel dronesIn a strongly worded letter, Republican leadership figures including House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, House Intelligence Committee Chair Rick Crawford, and House Select Committee on the CCP Chair John Moolenaar have urged ODNI Director Tulsi Gabbard to wrap up the review within 30 days.Advertisement - scroll for more contentThe recent Executive Order emphasizes US leadership in drone technology, stresses the need for secure domestic production and supply chains, and recognizes the importance of minimizing undue foreign influence, the lawmakers wrote, referencing former President Donald Trumps June 2025 directive to fast-track drone integration into US airspace.Section 1709 of the NDAA directs national security agencies to evaluate whether DJI and Autels communications or video surveillance tech poses unacceptable risks to US national security and the safety of US persons.
Stefanik was instrumental in crafting provisions that require DJI and Autel to be added to the FCCs blacklist within a year, unless they pass a national security screening.This is not the first time DJI has faced scrutiny.
The Chinese tech giant, which holds over 70% of the US drone market, was placed on a Pentagon blacklist in 2022 over alleged ties to the Chinese military.
DJI has consistently denied these allegations, stating its drones have never been used for espionage and that it has never received a request under Chinas National Intelligence Law to share data with the government.In a blog post published last month, DJI responded to the mounting pressure, stating, We are ready for the audit.
Weve repeatedly said this in letters, in meetings, and in public.
Now its time for a fair and transparent process to move forward, because the future of drone access in America shouldnt be decided by inaction.The company reiterated its willingness to cooperate with US authorities and called for a rigorous audit that allows for meaningful dialogue, clarification, and evidence-based evaluation.In response to the latest letter by House Republicans, a DJI spokesperson tells DroneDJ:DJI welcomes the opportunity to demonstrate our privacy controls and security features, as we have repeatedly stated in formal letters to relevant national security agencies, in private meetings with legislators, and publicly.We are ready to undergo a transparent, fair, and thorough audit, while cooperating with relevant US authorities.
Our confidence in our products ability to pass a thorough security review is supported by repeated validations from independent firms likeBooz Allen Hamilton,FTI Consulting, andKivu Consulting, as well as American government agencies such as theUS Department of the Interiorandthe Idaho National Laboratory.
Previous security audits of our products have taken 6 months to 1 year to complete.
We urge the relevant authorities to initiate the audit promptly to ensure sufficient time for a comprehensive evaluation.Autel Robotics, a smaller but growing competitor, is also under the microscope.
While less dominant than DJI, Autel is widely used by public safety departments, hobbyists, and commercial operators alike.
Both companies products are known for their affordability and ease of use factors that have made them popular across the US drone landscape.For drone pilots and industry stakeholders, the consequences of this review could be far-reaching.
Placement on the FCCs Covered List could halt new DJI and Autel drone sales, disrupt supply chains, and force public agencies and businesses to seek alternatives.
The looming possibility of a ban is particularly concerning for law enforcement, infrastructure inspectors, and first responders, who rely heavily on these tools for their everyday operations.Despite the political momentum, critics argue the move may hinder US drone innovation more than help it.
They warn that sudden restrictions could create a vacuum in the market that domestic manufacturers are not yet ready to fill, potentially slowing down the growth of industries that rely on drones.More:DJIs next product launch is all about digital worldsFTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.