DJI has released an official response addressing the recently passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), expressing both relief and concern about provisions that could impact its US operations in 2025.

Company Reaffirms US Market Position

The drone manufacturer emphasized a critical point for its customers and partners: “DJI is not banned from operating or selling products in the U.S. market.” This clarification comes after months of uncertainty surrounding various legislative proposals that could have severely restricted the company’s US presence.

Concerns Over Assessment Framework

While acknowledging the positive outcome regarding the Countering CCP Drones Act’s exclusion, DJI highlighted several concerns about the NDAA’s drone assessment provisions. The legislation mandates a security evaluation of Chinese-made drones but fails to designate a specific agency to conduct the study.

More troublingly, if no agency completes the assessment within one year, DJI could face automatic addition to the FCC’s Covered List – a move that would block new product launches regardless of security merits.

The company specifically called for two modifications to the assessment framework:

  • Assignment of a technically-focused agency to ensure evidence-based evaluation
  • Implementation of a formal response process allowing manufacturers to address potential findings
“Since 2017, DJI has conducted regular audits of its products and has rewarded external security researchers for identifying vulnerabilities through a bug bounty program,” the company stated, highlighting its commitment to security transparency.

Community Recognition

DJI took the opportunity to acknowledge the drone community’s role in engaging with legislators. The company credited operators, businesses, and public safety agencies with helping congressional offices understand the practical implications of potential restrictions on DJI products.

As the industry moves toward 2025, DJI indicated it will continue working with Congress and relevant stakeholders while maintaining its focus on drone technology innovation and security improvements.