Israeli Military Modifies DJI Drones for Attacks and Surveillance in Gaza

An investigation by Al Jazeera’s Sanad verification agency reveals that the Israeli military has adapted commercial DJI drones to carry explosives and conduct surveillance in Gaza, targeting civilians and infrastructure. This development raises serious concerns for drone professionals about the misuse of accessible technology in conflict zones.

Drone Modifications and Capabilities

Sanad’s findings detail how DJI models, including the Agras, Mavic, and Avata, have been repurposed for military operations. The DJI Agras, originally designed for agriculture, can carry significant payloads and execute precision flights. In Gaza, it has been used to deliver bombs, with documented attacks on civilian targets.

For instance, on July 17, 2024, a DJI Agras drone bombed the IHH Turkish charity’s building in Jabalia, 330 feet from a school sheltering displaced people. The Mavic supports reconnaissance, while the compact Avata navigates Gaza’s tunnel networks for mapping and target acquisition. These adaptations exploit the drones’ high-resolution cameras, long battery life, and flight ranges up to 12 miles.

Civilian and Humanitarian Impact

The use of modified drones has intensified civilian suffering in northern Gaza, where Israel’s siege has created famine-like conditions by late 2024. Sanad documented a DJI Agras bombing a residential area in Beit Lahia after shelling displaced people from a UN school. Witnesses told Sanad, “The attack seemed calculated to instil fear.” Drones have also surveilled Palestinian prisoners forced to act as human shields, an illegal practice. Footage from December 2023 shows a DJI Avata tracking a detainee clearing a school in Shujaiya, highlighting the drones’ role in urban warfare.

DJI’s Inconsistent Response

DJI’s reaction to its drones’ misuse in Gaza contrasts sharply with its 2022 suspension of sales to Russia and Ukraine after similar concerns. DJI stated, “We will never accept any use of our products to cause harm,” but has not halted sales to Israel or imposed software restrictions, such as geofencing, to limit drone operations in Gaza. When Sanad asked if DJI would implement measures like those in Ukraine, the company did not respond. This discrepancy raises questions about accountability in the drone industry, especially as DJI dominates with a 70% global market share.

Regulatory and Ethical Challenges

The weaponization of commercial drones complicates regulatory frameworks. Unlike military drones, consumer models like DJI’s are widely available, with prices ranging from $500 to $20,000. Their dual-use potential challenges export controls and international laws, such as the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit targeting civilians. For drone professionals, this underscores the need for stricter oversight and ethical guidelines to prevent technology misuse without stifling innovation.

DroneXL’s Take

This is a gut punch for drone pilots who see tools like the DJI Agras as game-changers for farming or filmmaking, not warfare. It’s like finding out your trusty pickup truck is being used as a tank. The industry needs to grapple with how accessible tech can be twisted—fast. DJI’s silence on Gaza while acting swiftly in Ukraine feels like a plot twist from a dystopian flick. For pros, it’s a reminder: fly responsibly, advocate for clear rules, and keep an eye on where your gear might end up. Nobody wants their drone starring in the wrong kind of action movie.